Christmas 



.A.^lana^atx Company * Chicago 






















Thanksgiving Entertainments 


With much original matter by Marie Irish, Clara J. Denton, Laura R. 
Smith and Others. Nothing equal to it in newness and variety. The largest, 
choicest and best arranged collection for Thanksgiv¬ 
ing published. The book is divided into three parts: 
The first is for Primary Grades and contains 2 acrostics, 
6 dialogues and exercises, Pumpkin Drill, 28 recita¬ 
tions, 1 new song with music, 2 new songs to old tunes 
and 12 primary quotations. The second is for Inter¬ 
mediate Grades and contains 4 dialogues and exercises, 
Corn Drill, 27 recitations, 1 new song with music, 3 
new songs to old tunes and 11 intermediate quotations. 
The third, for Higher Grades, has 2 dialogues, Fruits 
of the Harvest Drill, 22 recitations, 1 new song, with 
music, 2 new songs to old tunes, the Origin of Thanks¬ 
giving and 9 quotations for higher grades. The book 
also contains 12 tableaux for all grades. Illustrated. 
144 pages. Price, 25 cents. 

Christmas Celebrations 



With much original matter by Marie Irish, Clara J. Denton, Laura R. 
Smith and Others. The matter in this book is all new. It is by far the largest, 
choicest and best arranged collection for Christmas 
published. The book is divided into three parts. 

Part I is for Primary Grades and contains 1 acrostic, 

4 dialogues and exercises, Waiting for Santa (drill), 

29 recitations, 1 new song with music, 2 new songs to 
old tunes, and 16 primary quotations. Part II, In¬ 
termediate Grades, has 1 acrostic, 6 dialogues and ex¬ 
ercises, Stocking Drill, 26 recitations, 1 new song with 
music, 2 new songs to old tunes, 9 intermediate quota¬ 
tions. Part III, Higher Grades, contains 1 dialqgue, 

Evergreen Drill, 17 recitations, 1 new song with music, 

1 new song to old tune, the Origin of Christmas, a 
Christmas Prayer, and 8 quotations for higher grades. 

The book also contains 4 tableaux for all grades. 

Illustrated. 160 pages. Price, 25 cents. 



A. FLANAGAN COMPANY, 338 Wabash Ave., CHICAGO 







20 ^ 

ABOUT THE BOOK 

„To successfully compile and edit a book of this character 
. is not an easy task. First, months are spent in thoughts of 
; what is to be its makeup. Then, special material of an origi¬ 
nal and attractive nature must be prepared. Now comes 
classification, adaptation, alteration and elimination—the last 
being not the least of all. It seems that it is almost as unfor- 
r tunate sometimes to have too much good material as to have 
too little. Either makes choice difficult. Our troubles have 
been with the former and our aim to choose the best of the 
best. We hope that you may think we have succeded. At 
any rate it is sincerely believed that this volume will be found 
an improvement over the author's previous book: Christmas 
Celebrations, which in less than three years sold to the extent 
of over 25,000 copies. 

Nothing appears in this volume that is contained in the 
other. Both have had careful preparation. These books are 
not to be classed with the ordinary run of “entertainments.” 
They represent thought: develop the dramatic instinct: supply 
educational material of the highest order in dainty morsels 
sufficiently fine to be easily digested: they teach ethics and 
morals. 

What if humor does enter into the schoolroom occasionally 
and even at such a time as this! Harmless fun brightens the 
world. And it takes a real genius like Mark Twain to create 
wit that has no sting. Many a good man has counted that 
among his chief blessings. But the contents of this book is 
far from being all humorous. Rather it aims at a whole¬ 
hearted, gladsome celebration of Christmas, which ought to 
prove a cornerstone to a truer, greater, more prayerful atti¬ 
tude in later life. “Humble yourself lest ye be humbled,” is 
only one of its many lessons. But when you have learned this, 
you are ready for greater things—you recognize in yourself but 
an atom of an indescribable whole so great that the human 
mind cannot grasp its meaning. Benevolence, charity, brother¬ 
hood, self-sacrifice and reverence are other lessons to be gained. 

3 


4 


ABOUT THE BOOK 


Besides, one of the strongest interests of children, and one that 
is fertile in its possibilities for language and related uses, is 
the .delight in festivals and holidays. The interest that cen¬ 
ters about Christmas and kindred holidays is a very keen one 
and the teacher who fails to take advantage of this interest is 
neglecting an opportunity to secure much usable material and 
to make an unforgettable impression for good on the child. 

The compiler wishes to express his thanks to Clara J. 
Denton, Marie Irish, and Thos. B. Weaver for the new and 
excellent material which each furnished—and additional 
thanks to Mr. Weaver for his kindly suggestions. The con¬ 
tents is arranged as nearly as possible under the various head¬ 
ings in degree of difficulty, primary material being placed 
first. 

Grateful acknowledgments are rendered to all magazines, 
periodicals and books from whose pages selections have been 
gleaned and without which the book could not have been com¬ 
plete. Proper credit has been given wherever such matter 
appears. A few selections have been used of which the names 
of author or publisher are unknown. For these it has been 
impossible to give proper credit. In cases where unintentional 
infringements have been made, sincere apologies are tendered. 

J. C. S. 


CONTENTS 


READINGS, RECITATIONS, QUOTATIONS 

PAGE 

Bells of Christmas. Frank Dempster Sherman 33 

Bright Stockings. .Eleanor Cameron 10 

Christ-child, The. Phila Butler Bowman 27 

Christmas Carol, A. Josiah G. Holland 44 

Christmas Eve in Wildwood Hollow. . .Pauline Frances Camp 24 

Christmas Guest, A. Fuih McEnery Stuart 50 

Christmas Like It Used to Be. Nixon Waterman 47 

Christmas Over All the Land. 32 

Christmas Thought, A. Lucy Larcom 45 

Christmas Trees, The. Mary F. Butts 21 

Christmas-Tree Farm, A. Dora H. Stockman 12 

Cradle Hymn. Martin Luther 14 

Crowded Out. Bosalie M. Jonas 20 

Eastern Legend, An. Grace Duffield Goodwin 42 • 

Empty Stockings. .... Ellen Manly 48 

Family Troubles. Eleanor Cameron 11 

First Christmas, The. 17 

Fooling St. Nick. Thomas B. Weaver 9 

God Bless Us, Every One. 21 

Good Enough . 113 

Good News . 25 

Kittens’ Christmas, Tpie. 13 

Letter to Santa Claus, A. 36 

Little Gottlieb’s Christmas. Phoebe Cary 29 

Lookout Man, The. Will M. Maupin 41 

Looks Like Pa. Thomas B. Weaver 9 

Marjorie’s Almanac. T. B. Aldrich 35 

Merry Christmas . 34 

My Dollie. Lora Josephine Albright 10 

O, Little Town of Bethlehem. Phillips Brooks 49 

Papa’s Darling. Thomas B. Weaver 9 

Piece of News, A. 22 


5 

































6 


CONTENTS 


Priceless Gift, The. 

Question, A.:.. 

Quotations for Higher Grades ... 

Quotations for Lower Grades. 

Real Question, The. 

Santa Claus .. 

Santaclausin.. 

Santa Claus on the North Pole. . 

Santa’s Mistake. 

Save' a Little Christmas. 

Small Stocking, The. 

Song of Christmas, A. 

Star in the East, The. 

Timely Pointer, A. 

Timely Suggestion, A. 

True Santa Claus, The. 

Voice for Santa Claus, A. 

What Little Saul Got Christmas 

What Means Christmas. 

Which Tree Is Best?. 

While Stars of Christmas Shine. 

Who Santy Claus Wuz. 

Who’s Santa Claus?. 


PAGE 

....Dora H. Stockman 25 

. Eleanor Cameron 11 

. 52 

. 51 

. Charles J. Stowell 19 

. 38 

. 23 

.... Thomas B. Weaver 16 
... .Thomas B. Weaver 14 

. Louis E. Thayer 43 

... .Thomas B. Weaver 9 
.. .Ninette M. Lowater 43 

. Joel Benton 46 

. 15 

. .Mary Street Whitten 28 

.. . 47 

,...... Joe Lincoln 10 

James Whitcomb Biley 26 

. 34 

. 38 

. Emilie Poulsson 12 

.James Whitcomb Biley 39 
. Alson Secor 18 


DIALOGUES, PLAYS, EXERCISES 

Christmas Eve. Four little girls. Thomas B. Weaver 58 

Christmas Exercise, A. A whole school... .Thomas B. Weaver 93 

Christmas Secrets. Any number. Thomas B. Weaver 75 

Letter to Santa Claus, A. One girl and one boy. 

. Thomas B. Weaver 57 

Mother Goose and Santa Claus ’ Reception. Any number.. 


. Harriet D. Castle 60 

Santa’s Boys. Ten small boys. Thomas B. Weaver 55 

Trouble in the Toyroom. Any number. Clara J. Denton 85 

Unsuccessful Hunt, An. Any number. Clara J. Denton 68 

SONGS 

Babe Divine, The. Thomas B. Weaver 104 

Beautiful Christmas Eve . Thomas B. Weaver 112 



































CONTENTS 


7 


PAGE 

Beautiful Christmas Time. 106 

Christmas Bells. 102 

Christmas of Two. Thomas B. Weaver 118 

Christmas Tree. Thomas B. Weaver 100 

Christmas Welcome, The. 106 

Glad Christmas Bells . Thomas B. Weaver 114 

Merry, Merry Christmas. Thomas B. Weaver 105 

O Santa Claus !. Thomas B. Weaver 103 

Santa Claus. Thomas B. Weaver 99 

Santa Claus Song and Game, The. Alys E. Bentley 108 

Song of Gladness. Thomas B. Weaver 101 

Telling Santa—/Solo . Thomas B. Weaver .110 

Welcome, Glad Christmas Time. Thomas B. Weaver 107 


FACTS 


Christmas in New England. 121 

Christmas in the South . 121 

Different Kinds of Christmas Trees . 119 

Meaning of Kris Kringle, The. 119 

Mistletoe and the Crucifixion. 120 

Origin of the Christmas Tree. 120 

Saint Nicholas . 121 

Santa’s First Visit to America . 119 

Turkey in Our Country: Beef in England . 120 

Various Dates for Christmas. 119 

Word Christmas, The. 119 

DRILLS—By Marie Irish 

Christmas Bells. Eight, twelve or sixteen girls . 126 

Christmas Star Drill and Song. Ten girls. 130 

Holly Drill. Twelve girls. 134 

Poinsettia March and Drill. Twelve girls. 141 

Santa Claus Drill. Five boys. 123 


PANTOMIMES—By Marie Irish 

Christmas Reconciliation, A. One girl and two boys. 150 

Christmas Secrets. Four or more. 147 

Merry Christmas Time. Any number. 149 

Santa’s Mistake. A little girl. 146 



































8 


CONTENTS 


TABLEAUX—By Marie Irish 

PAGE 

Christmas . 154 

Christmas Dream, A. 153 

Spirit of Christmas Time, The.■. 152 

Under the Mistletoe. 153 

Watching for Santa Claus. 153 

A Living Christmas Magazine. Any number. 

. Joseph C . Sindelar 155 










Christmas book 




fadings floatations Quotations 


LITTLE PIECES FOR TINY TOTS 

Thos. B. Weaver 


Looks Like Pa 

Old Saint Nick is short and thick,— 

So Fve been told by ma. 

I saw him, he’s tall and slim, 

And looks just like my pa. 

The Small Stocking 

I hung up my stocking, 

Didn’t get much, you know; 

Ma said, “Quit your knocking, 

Your stocking will grow.” 

Fooling St. Nick 

What 1 this holds I can buy for a dime; 

I’ll fool St. Nick and hang this 2 the next time. 

Papa’s Darling 

I’m papa’s little darling. 

I’m only free years old. 

Santa Tlaus will turn to our house, 

’Taus I’m dust as dood as dold. 


2 His toboggan or stocking cap. 
9 


i His small stocking. 







10 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


MY DOLLIE 

Lora Josephine Albright 

Little girl holds doll behind her until she recites the first line. 

Would you like to see my dolly? 

Her dress is just washed clean, 

And I know you’ll think her bonnet 
Is the sweetest ever seen! 

It was Santa Claus that brought her. 

When I was fast asleep, 

He wrote it in a letter 

That she’s all my own to keep. 


BRIGHT STOCKINGS 

Eleanor Cameron 

Recited by a tiny girl who displays a pair of bright red stockings. 

These stockings here are fine and bright 
For Santa Claus to see. 

For when mamma puts out the light 
It’s dark as dark can be. 

But if I hang them good and high, 

I’m sure he will not pass me by. 


A VOICE FOR SANTA CLAUS 

Joe Lincoln 

Christmas without a Santy!. Puddin’ without the plums! 
Think of the million youngsters waitin’ the day he comes, 
Countin’ the hours and minutes, thinking they hear his sleigh, 
Just as our daddies heard it, back in another day. 

Long as I’ve got a roof-tree, while there’s a chimney flue, 
Santa shall come to my house! How is it, folks, with you ? 


READINGS, RECITATIONS, QUOTATIONS 


11 


A QUESTION 

Eleanor Cameron 

To be recited by a tiny tot. 

Poor baby’s sock is very small 
It will not even hold her ball. 

Whatever will old Santa do 

With all her gifts and sweet things, too? 

GOOD ENOUGH 

For a little girl or boy, holding a small basket containing a shoe 
and a stocking. 

In Norway, they leave a basket, the queer little girls and 
boys— 

To be filled by good old Santa with candies and nnts and toys. 

In Holland a shoe is waiting; in Germany, always a tree; 

But the good American stocking is the best for you and for me. 

FAMILY TROUBLES 

Eleanor Cameron 

Recited by a little girl, dressed up in long clothes in imitation of 
a mother. She holds a doll (with eyes that do not open and close) 
in her arms as she speaks. 

[In a desperate tone ] : 

I've rocked and rocked this child of mine 
Until my poor arms ache. 

It’s past Belinda’s usual time 
But she will stay awake. 

Her eyes are just as big and blue 
And Santa’s coming fast. 

I really don’t know what to do. 

[Pauses and glances at the doll's face , stoops lower and 
looks closely , then holds up a forefinger and says in a low 
guarded tone] : 

Sh—! She’s asleep at last. 


[Tiptoes out.] 


12 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


A CHRISTMAS-TREE FARM 

Dora H. Stockman 

When I am a man I shall buy a farm 
As big as I can see, 

And set it all out as thick as grass 
With little Christmas trees. 

I shall plant the very nicest ones 
That bear candles and loads of toys, 

Dolls and books for little girls 
And horses and drums for boys. 

Then I’ll telephone Santa Claus to drive 
His reindeer around this way, 

And I'll give him a million Christmas-trees 
To load up his wonderful sleigh. 

— Moderator-Topics 


WHILE STARS OF CHRISTMAS SHINE 

Emilie Poulsson 

While stars of Christmas shine, 
Lighting the skies, 

Let only loving looks 
Beam from our eyes. 

While bells of Christmas ring, 

Joyous and clear, 

Speak only happy words, 

All love and cheer. 

Give only loving gifts, 

And in love take; 

Gladden the poor and sad 
For love’s dear sake. 


HEADINGS, KECIT ATIONS, QUOTATIONS 

THE KITTENS’ CHRISTMAS 


13 


On Christmas Eve three kittens felt 
Their griefs were very many; 

They couldn’t hang their stockings up, 

Because they hadn’t any. 

“What shall we do?” these kittens cried. 

They looked at one another, 

And then the wisest of them said, 

“We’ll go and ask our mother.” 

Old Mother Tabby gently purred: 

“You foolish little kittens! 

Although you have not stockings, dears, 

Why not hang up your mittens?” 

So, when the kittens went to bed, 

Their hearts were free from sorrow; 

They wondered what good Santa Claus 
Would bring them for the morrow. 

Then quietly old Tabby came, 

On soft paws softly creeping, 

And filled their mittens brimming full, 

While they were gently sleeping. 

The kittens woke, and rubbed their eyes, 

Just as the day was dawning; 

And very merry were they all 

On that bright Christmas morning. 

They found three balls, some chocolate mice, 
Three pretty, bright gold fishes; 

And, best of all, upon the hearth. 

Fresh cream in little dishes. 

—Christian Register 


14 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


SANTA’S MISTAKE 

Thos. B. Weaver 

For a little girl and a little boy: both enter together. 

Boy [carrying a large doll ] : 

I cannot tell for certain why Santa sent me this, 

Unless it is that I should learn some little girl to kiss. 

[Kisses little girl , who acts much surprised .] 

Girl [carrying a jumping-jack which she works while she 
recites ] : 

I cannot tell why Santa should send me such a toy, 

Unless I make a jumping-jack of some smart little boy. 

[Immediately after reciting , she steps behind the boy 
and pulls , slightly and repeatedly , his waist , as if he were 
a jumping - jack , while he , standing upright like a dummy , 
works his hands and legs in countless comical ways , acting 
like a mechanical toy . This is continued several minutes , 
then she steps beside the boy , they exchange toys , bow and 
leave .] 


CRADLE HYMN 

Martin Luther 

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, 

The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head. 

The stars in the bright sky looked down where He lay— 
The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay. 


The cattle are lowing, the Baby awakes, 

But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes. 

I love thee, Lord Jesus! look down from the sky, 
And stay by my cradle till morning is nigh. 


READINGS, RECITATIONS, QUOTATIONS 15 

A TIMELY POINTER 

"I’ll give you a pointer, Mollie,” 

Said Tommie the other day: 

"If you want certain things for Christmas 
You’d better try my way. 

"It’s easy and very simple, 

And always works, for I 

Have tried it many and many a time 
In Christmases gone by. 

"Write Santa Claus a letter, 

Write in your very best hand. 

And give him a list of the things you want, 

It doesn’t matter how grand. 


"And then, when the letter is written, 
Just take it to dear old dad. 

And ask if he thinks the spelling 
And the writing is very bad. 


"I once wrote a note to Santa, 
And sent it off right away, 
And not a thing that I asked for 
Was sent on Christmas day. 


"But the letter I showed to daddy. 
To see if ’twas written right, 
Brought everything I wanted 
The following Christmas night. 


"I don’t know just how he knows it, 

But pa knows a thing or two 
’Bout how old Santa should be addressed 
By kids like me and you.” 


16 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


SANTA CLAUS ON THE NORTH POLE 

Thos. B. Weaver 

A fat boy, dressed to represent Santa Claus, wears a policeman’s 
star and carries a policeman’s club. He recites with great dignity. 

I’m Lieutenant Santa Claus! and just a little weary 
About the way the papers praise the name of Captain Peary; 
I understand for many years he spent a pile of money 
To find the Pole, as if ’twere lost—to me it seems so funny. 


Why, don’t I hitch my reindeer there, outside my winter 
palace ? 

And there is where I go to play with Eory Bory Alice ! 

And why these men bring gumdrops up to feed the Eskimos, 
When we have carloads of such things—can anyone suppose ? 


Anyone who stops and thinks of all the candies, toys, 

And nuts, and clothes and boots and shoes, we make for girls 
and boys 

Can clearly see that we must work and have big factories 
there; 

Our city is a busy place—the North Pole’s in the square. 


You see, I’m out for business [whirls his club], I’ll cop the 
first offender 

Who steals that pole, if proven true, or even a pretender; 

Since Captain Santa Claus has heard that some one has been 
prowling, 

We tied a grizzly to the pole and, day and night he’s growling. 


Any little boy or girl can tell you all about it, 

They’ll tell you Santa owns the pole, and you’ve no cause to 
doubt it; 

They often come to visit us—the North Pole often climbing, 
And ’round it sing their Christmas lays, while silver bells are 
chiming. 



READINGS, RECITATIONS, QUOTATIONS 


17 


We show them through our factories where fairies make the 
toys, 

And all the pretty picture-books that please the girls and boys, 

The countless reindeer, sleds, and packs, and silver bells so 
small, 

And drums, and dolls, and jumping-jacks, and sugar-plums 
for all. 

And, in their dreams, they cuddle down, and tumble on their 
beds, 

While reindeer, sleigh, and Santa Claus, go flying through 
their heads; 

And then, sometimes, they yell right out—of course that 
isn't nice— 

And often kick the covers off their hands and feet like ice. 

And yet you see they're not to blame, they have no thought of 
stealing. 

Especially the old North Pole, for which they have no feeling; 

And if the children once believe that it is wrong for Peary 

To claim the North Pole now is his, they'll make him feel 
some weary. 


THE FIRST CHRISTMAS 

Once a little Baby lay. 

Cradled in the fragrant hay, 

Long ago on Christmas; 

In the manger it was found, 

And the white sheep stood around, 
Long ago on Christmas. 

Led on by the shining star, 
Shepherds sought Him from afar. 
Long ago on Christmas; 

And the wise men came, they say. 
All their loving gifts to pay. 

Long ago on Christmas. 


18 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


And to-day the whole glad earth 
Praises God for that Child’s birth, 
Long ago on Christmas; 

For the Life, the Truth, the Way 
Came to bless the earth that day. 
Long ago on Christmas. 


WHO’S SANTA CLAUS? 

Alson Secor 

I ask my little girl of three, 

“Who’s Santa Claus, I’d like to know?” 

She comes and climbs upon my knee, 

And tells me how upon the snow 

Old Santa comes, with sleigh and deer, 
And. though he’s big and chimney small. 

He manages to get in here 

And fill the stockings, one and all. 

I ask my little boy of six, 

“Who’s Santa Claus, my little Joe?” 

“I’m onto all those Christmas tricks, 

You can’t fool me—I guess I know! 

Last Christmas eve we had a tree 
And Santa gave out the toys— 

But huh! I say you can’t fool me, 

I knew ’twas you—you can’t fool boys !” 

I asked a grandpa white with snow, 

“Who’s Santa Claus, if such there be ? 

You’ve surely had a chance to know, 

And when he came what did you see ?” 

“There’s Santa Claus in every heart 
That is at peace with all mankind, 

That love bestows and gifts impart— 

Old Santa is not hard to find.” 


READINGS, RECITATIONS, QUOTATIONS 19 

THE REAL QUESTION 

Charles J. Stowell 

They say some men and dogs and things have found the 
frozen Pole, 

And made a record of their trip and put it in a hole; 

They say they nailed the Stars and Stripes upon the icy mast, 
And took possession of the spot for Uncle Sam at last; 

But now that they are back again, amid the world’s applause. 
I wonder if they’ll tell us, did they meet with Santa Claus ? 


We like to hear about the route these daring seamen traced, 

And all about the bears and other animals they chased; 

We listen with enchanted ear to tales explorers know. 

Of Northern Lights and midnight sun and fields of ice and 
snow; 

But all these things are trifles, and for none of them we 
care, 

Unless some one will tell us that old Santa Claus is there. 

We want to know about his house, his reindeer, and his elves, 

And all the toys and Christmas joys he keeps upon his shelves; 

We want to know the things he does to while the hours away, 

When Christmas time is over, through the long, dull, arctic 
day; 

We’d like to hear about his cap and beard all white with 
snow— 

There’s just a lot—a lot —of things that we should like to 
know! 


Of course he must live somewhere, and the stories always 
say 

His home is at the very Pole, ’neath arctic twilight gray; 

And I believe it must be true, and that’s the reason why 
Nobody ever found it in all the days gone by. 


20 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


But now the secret has been solved, explorers brave and bold 
Have stood beneath the polar star and faced the polar cold, 
And so I think we’ll write to Cook and Peary, double-quick 
“What news is there from Smvta Claus? How is our goo< 
St Nick r 

— St. Nicholas 


CROWDED OUT 

Rosalie M. Jonas 

May be recited with effect by a girl in negro-woman costume. 

Nobody ain’t Christmas shoppin’ 

Fur his stockin’; 

Nobody ain’t cotch no turkkey. 

Nobody ain’t bake no pie. 

Nobody’s laid nuthin’ by; 

Santa Claus don’t cut no figger 
Fur his mammy’s little nigger. 

Seems lak everybody’s rushin’ 

An’ er crushin’, 

Crowdin’ shops an’ jamjnin’ trolleys, 

Buyin’ shoes an’ shirts an’ toys 
Fur de white folks’ girls an’ boys; 

But no hobby-horse ain’t rockin’ 

Fur his little wore-out stockin’. 

He ain’t quar’lin’, recollec’! 

He don’t ’spec’ 

Nuthin’—it’s his not expectin’ 

Makes his mammy wish—0 Laws!— 

Fur er nigger Santy Claus, 

Tottin’ jus’ er toy balloon 
Fur his mammy’s little coon. 


READINGS, RECITATIONS, QUOTATIONS 21 

GOD BLESS US, EVERY ONE 

The daylight faded and grew dim. 

The twilight had begun, 

Beside the fire sat Tiny Tim— 

Bob Cratchit’s crippled son. 

The dancing flames flashed warm and red 
On faces bright with fun. 

Tim’s brown eyes shone,—he gently said, 

“God bless us, every one !” 

And still when dawns the Christmas day, 

Though years have come and gone, 

We think of Tiny Tim, and say, 

“God bless us, every one!” 


THE CHRISTMAS TREES 

Mary F. Butts 

There's a stir among the trees, 
There’s a whisper in the breeze, 

Little ice-points clash and clink, 
Little needles nod and wink. 

Sturdy fir trees sway and sigh: 
“Here am I! Here am I! 

“All the summer long I stood 
In the silence of the wood; 

Tall and tapering I grew; 

What might happen well I knew; 

For one day a little bird 
Sang, and in the song I heard 
Many things quite strange to me 
Of Christmas and the Christmas tree. 


22 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


“When the sun was hid from sight 
In the darkness of the night, 

When the wind with sudden fret 
Pulled at my green coronet, 
Stanch I stood, and hid my fears. 
Weeping silent fragrant tears, 
Praying still that I might be 
Fitted for a Christmas tree. 


“Now here we stand on every hand! 
In us a hoard of summer stored, 
Birds have flown over us. 

Blue sky has covered us, 

Soft winds have sung to us, 
Blossoms have flung to us 
Measureless sweetness, 

Now in completeness 
We wait/’ 


A PIECE OF NEWS 

Recitation for a small boy or girl. 

I’ve heard a pleasant piece of news for children that are 
good: 

A million lovely Christmas trees are waiting in the wood, 

With tapering stems that reach the sky they grow so tall and 
straight, 

And boughs adorned with clustering cones, the fir trees stand 
and wait. 

Indeed, the green procession is already marching down 

From forests on the mountain to the children in the town. 

—Selected 


READINGS, RECITATIONS, QUOTATIONS 

SANTACLAUSIN 


23 


When papa was a little boy, he had a ma I s’pose, 

Who tended to his stockin’s, ’specially the toes, 

So’s they’d hold the presents that Santa Claus would bring, 
But when pa got to be a bach, he couldn’t darn a thing. 

He says that Santa treated him to just the awfullest shock 
’Cause there was nothin’ but a hole that Christmas in his sock. 


And so next year he went and got a brand new, big, long 
pair, 

And then he wrote to Santa to fill ’em up for fair: 

So he got ’em full of mamma, just the same as now she is. 

And that’s the way, pa says, that ma happens to be his. 


But papa isn’t greedy, and he says he didn’t dare 
To even dream of hangin’ up another big, long pair, 

Because he was so satisfied with what old Santa brought; 

But mamma squints her eye and says he knows he’d better 

not. 

And papa laughs and says to me that when you’ve got one 
wife, 

You don’t hang up no stockin’ for another—bet your life! 


And so he got a teenty pair—all made of fluffy wool, 

And wrote to Santa just some little thing would fill ’em 
full; 

And then he took the weenty ones and hung ’em on the tree. 
And when old Santa came that year he filled ’em full of me. 


He liked the little pair so well, next year he got another, 

And sure enough, old Santa come and filled ’em full of 
brother; 

And then he brought a sister, and last year—the best of all— 
He brought the baby, and this year he’s just begun to crawl. 


24 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


And so this Christmas, when his sock was hangin’ by the 
grate. 

It seemed so kinder stingy that I went and got its mate; 

But papa looks at mamma, and laughs and says, “Good land!” 
Just like when he says funny things that I don’t understand; 
And says we dassen’t hang a pair up any more, for fear 
The stork might be a Santaclausin ’round again this year. 

—Selected and adapted 


CHRISTMAS EVE IN WILDWOOD HOLLOW 

Pauline Frances Camp 

In Wildwood Hollow, t’other eve, they had a Christmas tree, 

And scores of pretty presents filled the animals with glee. 

Sir Reynard smiled a foxy smile, and scarce his joy could 
hush, 

When presented with a fine new comb to match his handsome 
“brush.” 

Old Bruin’s wife gave him a box to hold his many “cuffs 

Miss Centipede, whose feet were cold, had a hundred warm 
footmuffs. 

The hedgehog had a bottle of ink, in which to dip his “quills,” 

And all the birds had wallets new, in which to keep their 
“bills.” 

Miss Wildcat an umbrella had (she’s often in a “squall”); 

Miss Peacock, hooks for all her “eyes,” and the bat received 
a “ball.” 

The Monkey had an interesting book of “Jungle Tales,” 

And Mr. Alligator had a brand new set of “scales.” 

The Buffalo, in gladsome mood, pranced gaily round and 
round, 


READINGS, RECITATIONS, QUOTATIONS 


25 


When his own name upon a pair of “bellows” he had found. 

In short, for each and every one, a useful gift was planned, 
And merry grunts and roars and growls were heard on every 
hand. 


THE PRICELESS GIFT 

Dora H. Stockman 

It is neither rich nor costly, 

Useful, antique, or rare; 

This beautiful Christmas gift of mine 
Whose perfume fills the air. 

The frankincense and royal myrrh 
Of a loyal, faithful heart, 

In the golden bowl of friendship, 
Fashioned with loving art. 


Oh, take away those worldly scales 
That would coldly measure and weigh, 

For the gift of love is a priceless gift 
Like the Prince of Christmas day. 

— Moderator-Topics 


GOOD NEWS 

Good news on Christmas morning. 
Good news, 0 children fair! 

Still doth the one Good Shepherd hold 
The feeblest in His care. 

Good news on Christmas morning, 
Good news, 0 children glad! 

Rare gifts are yours to give the Lord 
As ever wise men had. 


26 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


WHAT LITTLE SAUL GOT CHRISTMAS 

James Whitcomb Riley 

The poet has shown how truly a child may be stricken with illness 
and yet preserve a brave spirit and keen imagination. 

Us parents mostly thinks our own’s 
The smartest children out!— 

But widder Shelton’s little Saul 
Beats all 1 know about! 

He’s weakly-like—in p’nt o’ health. 

But strong in word and deed 
And heart and head, and snap and spunk, 

And alius in the lead! 


Come honest’ by it, fer his Pa— 
Afore he passed away— 

He was a leader—(Lord, I’d like 
To hear him preach to-day!) 

He led his flock; he led in prayer 
Fer spread o’ Peace—and when 
Nothin’ but War could spread it, he 
Was first to lead us then! 


So little Saul has grit to take 
Things jes’ as they occur; 

And sister Shelton’s proud o’ him 
As he is proud o’ her! 

And when she “got up”—jes’ fer him 
And little playmates all— 

A Chris’mus-tree,—they ever’one 
Was there but little Saul.— 


Pore little chap was sick in bed 
Next room; and Doc was there, 
And said the children might file past, 
But go right back to where 


HEADINGS, RECITATIONS, QUOTATIONS 


27 


The tree was, in the settin’-room. 

And Saul jes’ laid and smiled— 

Ner couldn’t nod, ner wave his hand, 

It hurt so—Bless the child! 

And so they left him there with Doc— 

And warn tear of his Ma’s. 

Then—suddent-like—high over all 
Their laughture and applause— 

They heerd,—“I don’t care what you git 
On yer old Chris’mus-tree, 

’Cause I’m got somepin’ you all hain’t,— 

I’m got the pleurisy!” 

—Cosmopolitan Magazine 


THE CHRIST-CHILD 

Phila Butler Bowman 

Across the snow the home lights glow 
From myriad hearths alight, 

And through the street with noiseless feet 
The Christ-child walks to-night. 

0 silent gates, outside He waits 
To find a fitting spot. 

Be thine the shame, if through thy blame 
The Christ-child enter not. 

Where joyous notes from children’s throats 
The old glad song begin, 

Where love impels and kindness dwells. 

The Christ-child enters in. 

Where hate has room, pride sits in gloom 
And wrong invokes unrest, 

Though green the walls and bright the halls 
He cannot be a guest. 



28 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


But where the thought that angels brought 
To earth’s enraptured ears, 

Good-will to men, and peace, again 
The Christ-child, listening, hears. 

He turns His feet, with welcome sweet. 

Enters, and there abides, 

Angels know best how such are blest 
Through all the Christmas-tides. 

— Youth's Companion 


A TIMELY SUGGESTION 

Mary Street Whitten 

An “architec’”’s the name they call 
The sort of kind of man 
Who, if you want to build a house, 

Will help you make the plan. 

We’ve got an architec’ right here, 

He’s building daddy one, 

And planning out the things we’ll have 
Is just the mostest fun! 

They’re going to make the house of tile, 

With “stucco” stuck outside, 

And there will be a ’normous porch 
Along the front and side. 

The talk is all of flower beds. 

And trees, and heating-plants, 

And if the roof had best be flat 
Or p’r’aps the kind that slants. 

One thing I thought of all myself 
(And it is ’portant, too), 

The chimneys must be big enough 
For SANTA to come through! 

— St. Nicholas 


READINGS, RECITATIONS, QUOTATIONS 

LITTLE GOTTLIEB’S CHRISTMAS 

Piicebe Cary 

Across the German Ocean, 

In a country far from our own, 

Once a poor little boy, named Gottlieb, 

Lived with his mother alone. 

They dwelt in the part of a village 
Where the houses were poor and small, 

But the house of little Gottlieb 
Was the poorest of them all. 

He was not large enough to work. 

And his mother could no more, 

Though she scarcely laid her knitting down, 
Than keep the wolf from the door. 

She had to take their threadbare clothes 
And turn, and patch, and darn; 

For never any woman yet 
Grew rich by knitting yarn. 

And oft at night beside her chair 
Would Gottlieb sit, and plan 

The wonderful things he would do for her 
When he grew to be a man. 

One night she sat and knitted, 

And Gottlieb sat and dreamed, 

When a happy fancy all at once 
Upon his vision beamed. 

? Twas only a week till Christmas 
And Gottlieb knew that then 

The Christ-child, who was born that day 
Sent down good gifts to men. 


29 


30 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


But he said, “He will never find us, 
Our home is so mean and small, 

And we who have most need of them 
Will get no gifts at all." 

When all at once a happy light 
Came into his eyes of blue, 

And lighted up his face with smiles 
As he thought what he could do. 

Next day, when the postman’s letters 
Came from all over the land, 

Came one for the Christ-child, written 
In a child’s poor, trembling hand. 

You may think he sorely puzzled 
What in the world to do; 

So he went to the Burgomaster, 

As the wisest man he knew. 

And when they opened the letter 
They stood almost dismayed 

That such a little child should dare 
To ask the Lord for aid. 

Then the Burgomaster stammered. 

And scarce knew what to speak. 

And hastily he brushed aside 

A drop, like a tear, from his cheek. 

Then up he spoke right gruffly, 

And turned himself about: 

“This must be a very foolish boy. 

And a small one, too, no doubt.” 

But when six rosy children 

That night around him pressed, 

Poor trusting little Gottlieb 
Stood near him with the rest. 


READINGS, RECITATIONS, QUOTATIONS 


31 


And he heard his simple, touching prayer, 
Through all their noisy play, 

Though he tried his very best to put 
The thought of him away. 

A wise and learned man was he— 

Men called him good and just— 

But his wisdom seemed like foolishness 
By that weak child’s simple trust. 

Now when the morn of Christmas came, 
And the long, long week was done. 

Poor Gottlieb, who scarce could sleep, 

Bose up before the sun, 

And hastened to his mother; 

But he scarce might speak for fear 

When he saw her wondering look, and saw 
The Burgomaster near. 

He wasn’t afraid of the Holy Babe, 

Nor his mother, meek and mild; 

But he felt as if so great a man 
Had never been a child. 

Amazed, the poor child looked, to find 
The hearth was piled with wood, 

And the table, never full before, 

Was heaped with dainty food. 

Then half to hide from himself the truth, 
The Burgomaster said. 

While the mother blessed him on her knees, 
And Gottlieb shook for dread: 

"Nay, give no thanks, my good dame, 

To such as me for aid; 

Be grateful to your little son 

And the Lord, to whom he prayed!” 


32 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


Then turning round to Gottlieb: 

‘‘Your written prayer, you see, 

Came not to whom it was addressed, 

It only came to me. 

“ ’Twas but a foolish thing you did. 

As you must understand, 

For though the gifts are yours, you know 
You have them from my hand.” 

Then Gottlieb answered fearlessly, 

Where he humbly stood apart: 

“But the Christ-child sent them all the same. 
He put the thought in your heart.” 


CHRISTMAS OVER ALL THE LAND 

Recitation for two boys and two girls. 

First Boy : 

In the North the winds are whistling through the hemlocks 
and the pines. 

Winter with its armor bristling hedge and bank with snow¬ 
drift lines. 

For ’tis Christmas, merry Christmas, Christmas over all the 
land; 

Everywhere the bells are chiming out a Christmas carol 
grand. 

Second Boy: 

In the South the breezes gently through the groves of 
orange play. 

Happy birds their songs wing fleetly o’er the flowers this 
Christmas day. 

For ’tis Christmas, merry Christmas, Christmas over all the 
land; 

Everywhere the bells are chiming out a Christmas carol 
grand. 


READINGS, RECITATIONS, QUOTATIONS 


33 


First Girl : 

In the East above the beating of Atlantic’s waves on shore, 
Hear the bells, the bells repeating o’er: the Christ-child 
we adore. 

For ’tis Christmas, merry Christmas, Christmas over all the 
land; 

Everywhere the bells are chiming out a Christmas carol 
grand. 

Second Girl : 

In the West Pacific’s waters gently lap the golden strand, 
While they tell earth’s sons and daughters Christmas 
reigneth in the land. 

For ’tis Christmas, merry Christmas, Christmas over all the 

land; 

Everywhere the bells are chiming out a Christmas carol 
grand. 


All: 

North, South, East and West united ring their bells this 
day of days, 

Where the sun’s first beams alighted, where she sinks her 
latest rays; 

Music over land and ocean wings its way toward the sky, 

Myriads sing with glad emotion Christmas reigneth there 
on high. 

Yes, ’tis Christmas, merry Christmas, Christmas over all 
the land. 

Everywhere the bells are chiming out a Christmas carol 
grand. 


BELLS OF CHRISTMAS 

Frank Dempster Sherman 

Then let the holly red be hung, 

And all the sweetest carols sung, 
While we with joy remember them— 
The journeyers to Bethlehem. 


34 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


WHAT MEANS CHRISTMAS? 

Bright little star, shining afar, 

Tell me, pray, 

What means Christmas day? 

Christmas, my child, is a song from above; 
The sweet, happy song of God’s great love. 
’Tis the mnsic of heaven on earth below, 

’Tis the Spirit of Christ in the world aglow; 
For in every heart is the pulse and thrill 
Of loving and giving, of peace and good-will. 

0, bright little star, shining afar, 

Tell me, pray, 

How long will Christmas stay? 

As long, my child, as long you live. 

If always, like the Christ, you love and give. 


MERRY CHRISTMAS 

Reci , iation for a little girl and boy; the girl holds a spray of 
holly and the boy a Christmas bell made of cardboard. 

Girl: 

A little spray of holly, a very little thing, 

But laden with love’s message for Christmas day to bring. 
A wish for peace and happiness, a wish for joy and cheer 
Throughout the merry Christmas and all the glad New 
Year. 


Boy: 

Christmas bells ringing clear, bless this season of the year; 
Ringing loud, ringing low, over fields all white with snow; 
Ringing low, ringing loud, where gay flowers bloom in a 
crowd; 

Christmas bells everywhere, peace and sweet good-will 
declare. 


READINGS, RECITATIONS, QUOTATIONS 

MARJORIE’S ALMANAC 

T. B. Aldrich 

Robins in the tree-tops, 

Blossoms in the grass, 

Green things a-growing 
Everywhere you pass; 

Sudden little breezes. 

Showers of silver dew, 

Black bough and bent twig 
Budding out anew; 

Pine-tree and willow-tree, 

Fringed elm, and larch— 

Don’t you think that May-time’s 
Pleasanter than March? 


Apples in the orchard 
Mellowing one by one; 
Strawberries upturning 
Soft cheeks to the sun; 

Roses faint with sweetness, 
Lilies fair of face. 

Drowsy scents and murmurs 
Haunting every place ; 
Lengths of golden sunshine, 
Moonlight bright as day— 
Don’t you think that summer’s 
Pleasanter than May ? 


Roger in the corn-patch 
Whistling negro songs; 
Pussy by the hearth-side 
Romping with the tongs; 
Chestnuts in the ashes 

Bursting through the rind; 
Red leaf and gold leaf 
Rustling down the wind; 


35 


36 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


Mother “doin’ peaches” 

All the afternoon— 

Don’t yon think that autumn’s 
Pleasanter than June? 

Little fairy snowflakes 
Dancing in the flue; 

Old Mr. Santa Claus, 

What is keeping you ? 

Twilight and firelight, 
Shadows come and go; 

Merry chime of sleighbells 
Tinkling through the snow; 

Mother knitting stockings 
(Pussy’s got the ball),— 

Don’t you think that winter’s 
Pleasanter than all ? 


A LETTER TO SANTA CLAUS 

Recitation for a girl. 

Blessed old Santa Claus! king of delights! 
What are you doing these long winter nights ? 
Filling your budgets with trinkets and toys— 
Wonderful gifts for the girls and the boys ? 
While you are planning for everything nice, 
Pray let me give you a bit of advice. 

Don’t take it hard, if I say in your ear, 

Santa, I think you were partial last year; 
Loading the rich folks with everything gay, 
Snubbing the poor ones who came in your way 
Now, of all times in the year, I am sure 
This is the time to remember the poor. 


READINGS, RECITATIONS, QUOTATIONS 3? 

Plenty of people there are in onr city, 

Who have no fathers or mothers to pity; 

Plenty of people whose working and heeding 
Scarcely can keep all their dear ones from needing. 
Now, if I came every year in December, 

They are the ones I should surely remember. 


Little red hands that are aching with cold, 
You should have mittens your lingers to hold; 
Poor little feet, with your frost-bitten toes, 
You should be clothed in the warmest of hose. 
On the dark hearth I would kindle a light, 
Till the sad faces were happy and bright. 


Don’t you think, Santa, if all your life through 
Some one had always been caring for you, 
Watching to guard you by night and by day. 
Giving you gifts you could never repay, 
Sometimes, at least, you would sigh to recall 
How many children have nothing at all ? 


Safe in your own quiet chamber at night, 
Cozy and warm in your blankets so white, 
Wouldn’t you think of the shivering forms 
Out in the cold and the wind and the storms ? 
Wouldn’t you think of the babies who cry, 
Pining in hunger and cold till they die ? 


Blessed old Nick! I am sure, if you knew it, 
You would remember, and certainly do it; 

This year, at least, when you open your pack, 
Pray give a portion to all who may lack; 

Then if you chance to have anything over, 
Bring a small gift to your friend—Kitty Clover. 


38 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


WHICH TREE IS BEST? 

Which is the best of all the trees? 

Answer me, children all, if you please. 

Is it the oak, the king of the wood. 

That for a hundred years has stood ? 

The graceful elm or the stately ash, 

Or the aspen, whose leaflets shimmer and flash ? 
Is it the solemn and gloomy pine. 

With its million needles so sharp and fine? 

Ah, no! The tree that I love best, 

It buds and blossoms not with the rest; 

No summer sun on its fruit has smiled, 

But the ice and snow are around it piled; 

But still it will bloom and bear fruit for me— 
My winter bloomer ! My Christmas tree ! 

— Youth's Companion 


SANTA CLAUS* 

IIe comes in the night! He comes in the night! 

He softly, silently comes; 

While the little brown heads on the pillows so white 
Are dreaming of bugles and drums. 

He cuts through the snow like a ship through the foam. 
While the white flakes around him whirl; 

Who tells him I know not, but he findeth the home 
Of each good little boy and girl. 

His sleigh it is long, and deep, and wide; 

It will carry a host of things. 

While dozens of drums hang over the side. 

With the sticks sticking under the strings. 

And yet not the sound of a drum is heard, 

Not a bugle blast is blown. 

As he mounts to the chimney-top like a bird, 

And drops to the hearth like a stone. 


* The author of this pretty poem is unknown, though it is sometimes 
credited to John H. Yates. 



READINGS, RECITATIONS, QUOTATIONS 


39 


The little red stockings he silently fills, 

Till the stockings will hold no more; 

The bright little sleds for the great snow hills 
Are quickly set down on the floor. 

Then Santa Claus mounts to the roof like a bird. 
And glides to his seat in the sleigh; 

Not the sound of a bugle or drum is heard 
As he noiselessly gallops away. 


He rides to the East, and he -rides to the West, 
Of his goodies he touches not one; 

He eateth the crumbs of the Christmas feast 
When the dear little folks are done. 

Old Santa Claus doeth all that he can; 

.This beautiful mission is his; 

Then, children, be good to the little old man, 
When you find who the little man is. 


WHO SANTY CLAUS WUZ 

James Whitcomb Riley 

Jes’ a little bit o’ feller— I remember still— 

Ust to almost cry fer Christmas, like a youngster will. 
Fourth o’ July’s nothin’ to it!—New Year’s ain’t a smell; 
Easter Sunday—Circus day—jes’ all dead in the shell! 

Lordy, though! at night, you know, to set around and 
hear 

The old folks work the story off about the sledge and deer. 
And “Santy” skootin’ round the roof, all wrapped in fur and 
fuzz 

Long afore 

I knowed who 

“Santy Claus” wuz! 


40 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


Ust ter wait, and set up late, a week er two ahead; 

Couldn’t hardly keep awake, ner wouldn’t go to bed; 

Kittle stewin’ on the fire, and mother settin* here 
Darnin’ socks, and rockin’ in the skreeky rockin’-cheer; 

Pap gap’, and wunder where it wuz the money went. 

And quar’l with his frosty heels, and spill his liniment; 

And me a-dreaming sleighbells when the clock ’ud whir and 
buzz. 

Long afore 

I knowed who 

“Santy Claus” wuz! 


Size the fireplace up, and figure how “Old Santy” could 
Manage to come down the cnimney, like they said he would; 
Wisht that I could hide and see him—wundered what he'd 
say 

Ef he ketched a feller layin’ fer him thataway! 

But I bet on him, and liked him, same as if he had 
Turned to pat me on the back and say, “Look here, my 
lad, 

Here’s my pack, jes’ he’p yourse’f, like all good boys does!” 
Long afore 

I knowed who 

“Santy Claus” wuz! 


Wisht that yarn was true about him, as it ’peared to be— 
Truth made out o’ lies like that-un’s good enough fer me!— 
Wisht I still wus so confidin’ I could jes’ go wild 
Over hangin’ up my stockin’s, like the little child 
Climbin’ in my lap to-night, and beggin’ me to tell 
’Bout them reindeers and “Old Santy” that she loves so 
well; 

I’m half sorry fer this little-girl sweetheart of his— 

Long afore 

She knows who 

“Santy Claus” is! 


READINGS, RECITATIONS, QUOTATIONS 


41 


THE LOOKOUT MAN 

Will M. Maupin 

Now listen, little chiPrun, an’ I’ll tell a story true, 

An’ better you remember, ’cause it means a lot to you. 
An’ if you heed th’ lesson, then when Chris’mus-time is 
here, 

You’ll git a lot of pleasure, an’ a lot o’ Chris-mus cheer. 

Th’ Lookout Man is walkin’ when th’ stars begin t’ peep 
To see if little chil’run air in bed an’ fast asleep; 

An’ all who act up naughty an’ don’t mind their mas and 
pas 

Th’ Lookout Man is watchin’—an’ he’ll tell OP Santa Claus. 


I knowed a little feller wunst who got real bad an’ said 
He didn’t care f’r Santa Claus, an’ wouldn’t go t’ bed; 
Said that he didn’t have t’ mind—0, he was awful bad. 
An’ didn’t care th’ leastest mite ’bout makin’ folks feel bad. 
But when it came f Chris’mus-time he didn’t git a thing 
’Cause Santa Claus had heard o’ him an’ not a thing he’d 
bring. 

He knew that bad boy’s record—better mind your mas and 
pas; 

Th’ Lookout Man is watchin,’ an’ he 11 tell OP Santa Claus. 


I also knowed a little girl who was just awful bad, 

She wouldn’t learn her lessons an’ she alius got so mad 
If anybody told her t’ be still an’ hush her noise— 

Well, she was alius wishin’ f’r a lot o’ Chris’mus toys. 

But when ’twas Chris’mus mornin’, to her wonder and 
surprise, 

An empty stockin’ hangin’ in th’ corner met her eyes. 

You see, she acted naughty—better mind your mas and pas; 
Th’ Lookout Man is watchin’, an’ he’ll tell OP Santa Claus. 
Th’ Lookout Man is peepin’ thro’ th’ winders ev’ry night, 
An’ countin’ up the’ chiPrun who air alius actin’ right 


42 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


An’ goin’ off t’ bed at wunst when told it’s time to go, 

An’ never poutin,’ not a bit, or takin’ clothes off slow. 

He puts ’em in his good book, but th’ bad ones in th’ bad; 
An’ when he writes a bad one he looks, 0, jus’ awful sad, 
’Cause he knows they won’t git nothin’—better mind your 
mas and pas; 

Th’ Lookout Man is watchin,’ an’ he’ll tell 01’ Santa Claus. 


AN EASTERN LEGEND 

Grace Duffield Goodwin 

There’s a tender Eastern legend, 

In* a volume old* and rare. 

Of the Christ-child in His garden 
Walking with the children there. 

And it tells this strange, sweet story— 
(True or false, ah, who shall say!) 
How a bird with broken pinion 
Dead within the garden lay. 

And the children, childish cruel, 

Lifted it by shattered wing, 

Shouting, “Make us merry music. 

Sing, you lazy fellow, sing!” 

But the Christ-child bent above it. 

Took it in His gentle hand. 

Full of pity for the suffering 
He alone could understand. 

Whispered to it—oh, so softly! 

Laid his lips upon its throat, 

And the song-life, swift returning, 
Sounded out in one glad note. 

Then away on wings unwearied, 

Joyously it sang and soared, 

And the little children, kneeling, 

Called the Christ-child “Master—Lord.” 


READINGS, RECITATIONS, QUOTATIONS 43 

A SONG OF CHRISTMAS 

Ninette M. Lo water 

From down the distant ages, through the centuries dark and 
dim, 

Comes a flash of light supernal, and the echo of a hymn; 

Tis the light which shone from Heaven, when the Child 
of Peace was born; 

And the song was sung by angels on the first fair Christmas 
morn. 

“Peace on earth, good-will from Heaven,” how it rolled 
along the sky, 

And the ages all have listened, as the echoes passed them by. 

Even now the star is shining, and its light is soft and clear, 

And the angels still are singing, if we will but pause to hear. 

Loud and louder grows the anthem, nations swell the glad 
refrain, 

Telling to the future ages all the glory of His name; 

Unto earth a song is given, and a Prince of Peace is born; 

Let us join the angel chorus on this joyous Christmas morn. 


SAVE A LITTLE CHRISTMAS 

Louis E. Thayer 

Christmas-time’ s a-comin’ an’ you better git in line; 

Look a bit more cheery as you give the countersign; 
Make your handclasp warmer an’ your smile a bit more 
bright— 

When you celebrate on Christmas don’t you want to do it 
right ? 

Jes’ go in to make things lively until everybody’s glad; 

Jes’ go in and scatter sunshine; don’t be gloomy-like an’ sad. 


44 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


Make everybody happy—jes’ as happy as can be— 

But don’t hang all your presents on the Christmas tree! 
Save a little cheerfulness to scatter through the year; 

Save a few kind words to say, such as dry the tear; 

Save a few kind deeds to do when chance comes by an’ by— 
You can use a little Christmas if you have it nex’ July! 


A CHRISTMAS CAROL 

Josiah G. Holland 

There's a song in the air! 

There’s a star in the sky! 

There’s a Mother’s deep prayer 
And a Baby’s low cry! 

And the star rains its fire while the Beautiful sing, 
For the manger of Bethlehem cradles a King 

There’s a tumult of joy 
O’er the wonderful birth, 

For the Virgin’s sweet Boy 
Is the Lord of the earth. 

Ay! the star rains its fire and the Beautiful sing, 
For the manger of Bethlehem cradles a King. 

In the light of that star 
Lie the ages impearled; 

And that song from afar 
Has swept over the world. 

Every hearth is aflame, and the Beautiful sing 
In the homes of the nations that Jesus is King. 

We rejoice in the light 
And we echo the song 
That comes down through the night 
From the heavenly throng. 

Ay! we shout to the lovely Evangel they bring, 
And we greet in His cradle our Saviour and King. 


READINGS, RECITATIONS, QUOTATIONS 

A CHRISTMAS THOUGHT 

Lucy Larcom 

Oh, Christmas is coming again, you say, 

And you long for the things he is bringing; 

But the costliest gift may not gladden the day, 

Nor help on the merry bells’ ringing. 

Some getting is losing, you understand, 

Some hoarding is far from saving; 

What you hold in your hand may slip from your hand 
There is something better than having: 

We are richer for what we give; 

And only by giving we live. 


Your last year’s presents are scattered and gone; 

You have almost forgot who gave them; 

But the loving thoughts you bestow live on 
As long as you choose to have them. 

Love, love is your riches, though ever so poor; 

No money can buy that treasure; 

Yours always, from robber and rust secure, 

Your own, without stint or measure: 

It is only love that we can give; 

It is only by loving we live. 


For who is it smiles through the Christmas morn- 
The Light of the wide creation? 

A dear little Child in a stable born, 

Whose love is the world’s salvation. 

He was poor on earth, but He gave us all 
That can make our life worth the living; 

And happy the Christmas day we call 
That is spent, for His sake, in giving: 

He shows us the way to live, 

Like Him, let us love and give! 


45 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


46 


THE STAR IN THE EAST 

Joel Benton 

One hallowed morn, the eastern sky 
Gathered rare glory from afar; 

The shepherds saw—half wondering why— 

The splendor of a new-born star. 

It came at night, and longing eyes 
Looked up in peace and calm content; 

Its soothing glow awoke surprise, 

And lit the clear-blue firmament. 

The wise men came with homage true, 

With gifts and frankincense and myrrh; 

It seemed to them a portent new 
That needed no interpreter. 

The flocks were quiet, one and all. 

Where in a common manger lay 

An Infant, near the oxen’s stall, 

Halo’d by all the light of day. 

Long centuries pass—great nations rise— 

Kingdoms are crushed, and leave no sign; 

But still that star of eastern skies 
Lives on with influence divine. 

It brings to weary wanderers hope. 

It conquers anguish and despair; 

It lights the way for those who grope 
In gloom, and makes sad lives more fair. 

And may the Christmas bells ring out, 

And human kindliness increase, 

Till through the world shall come about 
The dawn of flawless love and peace! 

— Munsey’s Magazine 


READINGS, RECITATIONS, QUOTATIONS 

THE TRUE SANTA CLAUS 

There’s never a home so low, no doubt. 
But I in my flight can find it out; 

Nor a hut so hidden but I can see 
The shadow cast by the lone roof-tree! 
There’s never a home so proud and high 
That I am constrained to pass it by; 

Nor a heart so happy it may not be 
Happier still when blessed by me! 


What is my name ? Ah! who can tell. 
Though in every land ’tis a magic spell; 
Men call me that, and they call me this, 
Yet the different names are the same, I wis. 
Gift-Bearer to all the world am I, 
Joy-Giver, Light-Bringer, where’er I fly; 
But the name I bear in the Courts above, 
My truest and holiest name, is Love. 


CHRISTMAS LIKE IT USED TO BE 

Nixon Waterman 

Christmas like it used to be! 

That’s the thing would gladden me. 
Kith and kin from far and near 
Joining in the Christmas cheer. 

Oh, the laughing girls and boys! 

Oh, the feasting and the joys! 
Wouldn’t it be good to see 
Christmas like it used to be? 

Christmas like it used to be,— 

Snow a-bending bush and tree, 


48 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


Bells a-jingling down the lane; 
Cousins John and Jim and Jane, 
Sue and Kate and all the rest 
Dressed up in their Sunday best, 
Coming to that world of glee,— 
Christmas like it used to be. 


Christmas like it used to be,— 

Been a long, long time since we 
Wished (when Santa Claus should come), 
You a doll and I a drum, 

You a book and I a sled, 

Strong and swift and painted red; 

Oh, that day of jubilee! 

Christmas like it used to be. 


Christmas like it used to be. 

It is still as glad and free, 

And as fair and full of truth, 

To the clearer eyes of youth. 
Could we gladly glimpse it through 
Eyes our children’s children do 
In their jov-time, we would see 
Christmas like it used to be. 


EMPTY STOCKINGS 

Ellen Manly 

Oh, mothers in homes that are happy, 
Where Christmas comes laden with cheer, 
Where the children are dreaming already 
Of the merriest day in the year: 


READINGS, RECITATIONS, QUOTATIONS 


49 


As you gather your darlings around you 
And tell them the “story of old,” 
Remember the homes that are dreary! 
Remember the hearths that are cold! 

Oh, go where the stockings hang empty. 
Where Christmas is naught but a name, 
And give—for the love of the Christ-child; 
Twas to seek such as these that He came! 


0, LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM 

Phillips Brooks 

0, little town of Bethlehem, 

How still we see thee lie! 

Above thy deep and dreamless sleep 
The silent stars go by; 

Yet in thy dark streets shineth 
The everlasting light; 

The hopes and fears of all the years 
Are met in thee to-night. 

For Christ is born of Mary; 

And gathered all above. 

While mortals sleep, the angels keep 
Their watch of wondering love! 

0, morning stars, together 
Proclaim the holy birth! 

And praises sing to God the King, 

And peace to men on earth. 

How silently, how silently, 

The wondrous gift is given! 

So God imparts to human hearts 
The blessings of His heaven. 


50 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


No ear may hear His coming, 

But in this world of sin, 

Where meek souls will receive Him still. 
The dear Christ enters in. 

0, holy Child of Bethlehem! 

Descend to us, we pray! 

Cast out our sin, and enter in. 

Be born to us to-day. 

We hear the Christmas angels 
The great glad tidings tell; 

0, come to us, abide with us, 

Our Lord Emmanuel. 


A CHRISTMAS GUEST 

Ruth McEkery Stuart 
Monologue for a large boy or man. 

Christmas! An’ a boy! An 5 she doin’ well! No wonder 
that ol’ turkey-gobbler sets up on them rafters blinkin’ 
at me so peaceful! He knows he’s done passed a critical 
time o’ life. 

You’ve done crossed another bridge, saft, ol’ gobbly, an’ 
you can afford to blink, an’ to set out in the clair moonlight, 
’stid o’ roostin’ back in the shadders, same ez you been 
doin’. You was to’ve died by accident las’ night, but the 
new visitor that’s dropped in on us ain’t cut ’is turkey 
teeth yet, an’ his mother- 

Lord, how that name does sound! Mother! I hardly 
know ’er by it, long ez I been tryin’ to fit the name to ’er— 
an’ fearin’ to, too, less’n somethin’ might go wrong with 
either one. 

I even been callin’ him “it” to myself all along, so feered 
that ef I set my min’ on either the “he” or “she,” the other 
one might take a notion to come; and I didn’t want any 
disappointment mixed in with the arrival. But now he’s 
come an’ registered, ez they say at the polls, I know I sort o’ 
counted on the boy, some way. 



READINGS, RECITATIONS, QUOTATIONS 


51 


Lordy! but he’s little. Ef he hadn’t a showed up so many 
of his functions spontaneous, I’d be oneasy less’n he mightn’t 
have ’em; but they’re there, bless goodness! they’re there! 
An’ he snez prezac’ly, for all the world, like my po’ ol’ pap— 
a reg’lar little cat sneezes, thess like all the Joneses. 

Well, Mr. Turkey, befo’ I go back into the house, I’m 
a-goin’ to make you a solemn promise. You go free tell 
about this time next year, anyhow. You an’ me’ll celebrate 
the birthday between ourselves with that contrac’. You 
needn’t get oneasy Thanksgivin,’ or picnic-time, or Easter, or 
no other time ’twixt this an’ nex’ Christmas—less’n, of co’se, 
you stray off an’ git stole. An’ this here reprieve, I want 
you to understand, is a present from the junior member of 
the firm.— The Century 


QUOTATIONS FOR THE LOWER GRADES 

Chill December brings the sleet, 

Blazing fire and Christmas treat. 

May Christmas sing its song to you 
From day to day the New Year through. 

The dear notes ring and will not cease: 

“Peace and good-will, good-will and peace.” 

—Susan Coolidge 

The wind is chill; 

But let it whistle as it will, 

We’ll keep our Christmas merry still. 

—Scott 

“What means that star,” the shepherds said, 
“That brightens through the rocky glen?” 

And angels answering overhead, 

Sang, “Peace on earth, good-will to men.” 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


At Christmas, play and make good cheer, • 

For Christmas comes but once a year. 

—Trusser 


God bless us every one .—Dickens 

The world is happy, the world is wide, 

Kind hearts are beating on every side. 

—Lowell 

Awake, glad heart! get up and sing! 

It is the birthday of thy King. 

—Vaughn 

I heard the bells on Christmas day, 

Their old familiar carols play, 

And wild and sweet 
The words repeat, 

Of “Peace on earth, good-will to men.” 

—Longfellow 


QUOTATIONS FOR THE HIGHER GRADES 

Within the hall are song and laughter, 

The cheeks of Christmas grow red and jolly, 

And sprouting is every corbel and rafter 
With lightsome green of ivy and holly. 

Through the deep gulf of the chimney wide 
Wallows the Yule log’s roaring tide. 

—Lowell 


Come, bring with a noise. 

My merry, merry boys. 

The Christmas log to the firing, 

While my good dame, she 
Bids ye all be free 

And drink to your heart’s desiring. 

—Herrick 


READINGS, RECITATIONS, QUOTATIONS 53 

A good conscience is a continual Christmas .—Franklin 

The Wrong shall fail, 

The Eight prevail, 

With peace on earth, good-will to men. 

—Longfellow 

’Tis here, o’er the hearth, the holly twines, 

’Tis here, ’neath the roof, our love combines 
With Peace and Joy on this holiday 
To warm our hearts, and to make us say: 
Welcome and Cheer to you all who come 
On Christmas day to this humble home. 

The yearly course that brings this day about 
Shall never see it but a holiday. 

—Shakespeare 

Who gives to whom hath naught been given, 

His gift in need, though small indeed, 

As is the grass-blade’s wind-blown seed, 

Is large as earth and rich as heaven. 

—-Whittier 

I have always thought of Christmas-time as a good time; 
a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time .—Dickens 

Not what we give but what we share,— 

The gift without the giver is bare; 

He gives but worthless gold 
Who gives from sense of duty. 

—Lowell 


Be merry all, be merry all, 

With holly dress, and festive hall; 

Prepare the song, the feast, the ball, 

To welcome Merry Christmas! 

— H. R. Spencer 


54 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


The time draws near the birth of Christ; 

The moon is hid; the night is still; 

The Christmas bells from hill to hill 
Answer each other in the mist. 

Rise, happy morn! rise, holy mom! 

Draw forth the cheerful day from night; 

0 Father! touch the east and light 
The light that shone when hope was born. 

—Tennyson 

The air resounds with chant and chime, 

The season that we love is here; 

May Christmas prove a happy time. 

And usher in a bright New Year. 

When suns are low and nights are long, 

And winds bring wild alarms, 

Through the darkness comes the Queen of the Year 
In all her peerless charms— 

December, fair and holly-crowned, 

With the Christ-child in her arms. 

—Edna Dean Proctor 



D1ALQSUES 
PLAY5 EXERCISES 



SANTA’S BOYS 

Thos. B. Weaver 

AN EXERCISE FOR TEN SMALL BOYS 

A rustic seat or bench is placed at rear of stage. The baby Santas 
are comically dressed for cold weather. They are lost, and wander 
in, one at a time, each one carrying an old satchel or suitcase, out 
of which a red stocking, or sleeve of a nighty, or other apparel, may 
stick. After each boy recites he goes to this seat at rear of platform, 
and lops over half asleep, one Santa on another. And after the 
second says, 11 1 want my ma ! 1 ’ the first wakes up and cries out 
drowsily, 1 ‘ I want my ma. ’ ’ After the third boy takes his place, the 
second boy cries drowsily, 11 1 want my ma! , ’ and so on, until each 
one has said the words. This is done after each recitation until the 
last has recited; then they all cry at same time and run out saying, 
“7 want my ma!” 

First Boy: I’m not worried about my pa, 

But I wants to know where is my ma. 

I want my ma! [Goes to tench and soon is snoozing .] 


Second Boy: The goodest man I know is pa; 

But he’s not half so good as ma. 

I want my ma! [First Boy wakes up and cries , “1 
want my ma.”] 


55 






56 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


Third Boy: I try to be as brave as pa, 

But I get scared away from ma. 

1 want my ma! [Second Boy, then First Boy in turn 
drowsily say the same.'] 

Fourth Boy : Pa called his reindeer, packed his sleigh, 

And took ma with him, Christmas day. 

I want my ma! [Third, Second and First Boys on 
bench wake up, etc.] 

Fifth Boy : It’s lonesome here without my pa, 

But lot’s more lonesome without ma. 

I ivant my ma! [Fourth, Third, Second and First 
Boys wake up, etc.] 

Sixth Boy: The boys and girls all like my pa, 

And so do we, and so does ma. 

I want my ma! [Repeat from Fifth Boy down.] 

Seventh Boy : A big, fat, jolly man is pa, 

They say we boys look like our ma. 

1 want my ma! [Repeat from Sixth Boy down.] 

Eighth Boy : I’ll be a Santa after awhile, 

So I must try to wear a smile. [Smiling to 
right and left , he hesitates, looks down at 
his old satchel and tries to put in the pro¬ 
truding stocking; then realizing that he is 
lost, he looks up, and gazing at the au¬ 
dience, he begins to pucker his mouth, and 
almost crying, with an occasional sniffle, 
he finishes, saying: 

I want my ma! [The others in turn repeat.] 

Ninth Boy: I live—oh, lots of miles from here, 

How I got lost seems very queer. 

I want my ma! [The others , one after the other, re¬ 
peat the sentence.] 


DIALOGUES, PLAYS, EXERCISES 


57 


Tenth Boy : What’s that I hear ? [Sleighbells are heard 
outdoors.] ’Tis some one’s sleigh, 

'Tis pa and ma, —hip-hip-hooray ! 

I want my ma! [All wake up excitedly and cry, “I want 
my ma !” and headlong run out of room.] 


A LETTER TO SANTA CLAUS 

Thos. B. Weaver 

FOR ONE GIRL AND ONE BOY 

The girl should be older or larger than the boy. She sits at a table 
with writing materials, preparing to write, while boy amuses himself 
playing around table or in room. 

Girl [at table, writing] : 

Suppose we write to Santa 

And tell him just what toys to bring, 

So when he comes to our house, 

He’ll not bring some old-fashioned thing. [Busy 
writing.] 

Boy [ excitedly ] : 

Now, that’s like doing business! 

’Twill please him, too, I’m sure it will; 

May I now give my order 
For dear, old Santa Claus to fill? 

Girl [smiling at her brother] : 

Just wait a minute, honey, 

I’ll mention, (( These are for a boy” — [writes.] 

You’d feel so very funny 

To get a rag doll for a toy. [Glances over her paper 
and smiles at her brother, who also laughs at the 
thought and hugs, in his imagination, the rag doll 
until he groans.] 


58 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


HI write all — in — one — letter, [resumes writing.] 

Your order first, my order last; 

Name just a few, you’d better, 

And please don’t name them very fast. 

Boy [delighted] : 

Put down a pair of roller skates —[Skips about, then 
says] : 

Ball-bearing ones—[Waits after each article is named.] 
a drum —a sled— 

A ’lectric engine—sword and gun,— 

A gun that makes a noise—shoots lead— 

Got all of these? Well— add chewin’ gum,— 

A knife or two—and—then—some— [Takes time to 
think.] 

Girl [almost crying] : 

Oh, dear ! oh, dear ! Why, can’t you see [Boy runs 
up to table to see the letter.] 

These won’t leave any room for me. [Girl excited.] 

Boy [haughtily, with hands deep in his pockets, cap on ear, 
slowly walks away and turns and recites independently 
to Sister] : 

I’m sorry, Sis, but I’m not half through, 

Write, (< For a girl—anything will do.” [Both leave — 
girl crying.] 


CHRISTMAS EVE 

Arranged by Thos. B. Weaver 

FOR FOUR LITTLE GIRLS 

First Girl: 

When mother is rocking the baby and singing her twilight 
hymn 

We children like to listen while the shadows gather dim. 


DIALOGUES, PLAYS, EXERCISES 


59 


Second Girl: 

For after the summer is over and the Christmas time draws 
near, 

J Tis the beautiful, old, old story she sings to the baby dear. 

All [recite, or sing to music below] : 

Once within a lowly manger there the baby Jesus lay; 

He came down from heaven’s glory on the first bright 
Christmas day. 

Third Girl: 

Our baby smiles as he listens, and then he drifts off to sleep. 

But mother keeps on humming while the darkness gathers 
deep. 

Fourth Girl: 

And closer and closer we gather as we hear the Christmas 
hymn, 

For the beautiful old, old story, she sings in the twilight 
dim. 


All [recite, or sing softly] : 


Very slowly 


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Shepherds heard the an-gels sing-ing, In that 

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When the lit - tie ba - by Xj-sus bro't the world its Christmas day. 

















































6 o THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 

MOTHER GOOSE AND SANTA CLAUS’ RECEPTION 

Harriet D. Castle 


FOR ALMOST ANY LARGE NUMBER OF CHILDREN OF ALL GRADES 


CHARACTERS 


Mother Goose 
Santa Claus 
Little Boy Blue 
Queen-of-Hearts 
Red Riding Hood 
Babes in the Wood 
Jack Horner 
King Cole 


Little Bo-Peep 
Jack and Jill 
Cinderella 
Prince 
Dame Trot 
Mother Hubbard 
Mrs. Bells-on-Toes 
Fiddlers Three 


Old Woman-in-Shoe and Children 
Frog-Who-Would-a-Wooing-Go 


COSTUMES 

These need hardly be described. They are the familiar Mother 
Goose costumes. See my illustrated edition of Mother Goose Rhymes. 


SCENE 

If a curtain is used it rises on Mother Goose and Santa Claus com¬ 
fortably seated. If not, let them come on the stage, and seat them¬ 
selves. The various gifts should be placed where Santa can reach 
them handily. Characters, after receiving presents, should group 
themselves in background, as size of stage and convenience dictate. 

Mother Goose: Well, Nicolas, I guess everything’s ready, 
so we’ll jest rest a bit. I feel real satisfied. The table 
looks real nice, an’ you can see your face in the pewter 
platters. The butter come good, an’ the bread riz up light, 
an’ the cakes an’ pies are beautiful, ef I do say it myself. 
I never had better luck with the puddin’; an’ the goose is 
just done to a turn— 

Santa : Hold on there, Madam! hold on! I’m afraid I 
can’t wait till the company comes if you keep on. A good 
Christmas dinner is made to be eaten, and you can’t be beat 
for getting one up. 

Mother Goose: I’ll git you a bite ef you feel as ef you 
couldn’t wait. Is my cap on straight an’ my hair nice an’ 
smooth ? 


DIALOGUES, PLAYS, EXERCISES 


61 


Santa: You’re as neat as a pin, and as sharp and bright; 
as good as a lamb, and a pretty sight. 

Mother Goose : Law, Nicolas, how you do go on! [ Enoch 

at door.] Well, I’m glad some one’s early. I always like 
to see folks on hand fer their meals. [Mother Goose 
opens door. Enter Old Woman-Who-Lives-in-a-Shoe, 
flourishing a hunch of switches and driving a group of 
small Children before her. One or two little tots hang 
on to her shirts. Children jump and dodge , as she hits 
them, rub knuckles in eyes, wipe eyes with aprons, make 
faces at her, etc.'] 

Mother Goose : Well, ef here ain’t the “Old Woman-Who- 
Lives-in-a-Shoe and has so many children she don’t know 
what to do!” Walk right in, you poor creeter, you. Walk 
right in, you poor little dears. We’re just delighted to see 
you! 

Santa [ shaking hands with Old Woman and Children] : 
How do you do, my good woman? How do you do, my 
dears? Bless your little hearts! I’m delighted to see 
you! Old Santa has a surprise for you. He’s going to 
give every one just what they ask for; then every one will 
be suited. 

Mother Goose : Leastwise they’d ought to be. 

Children [ two or three at a time] : I want some candy! 
So do I! So do I! So do I! 

Old Woman: Shet right up, you sassy little things, you. 
I hope you’ll overlook it in ’em, sir. When a woman has 
so many to do fer she hain’t much time fer teachin’ man¬ 
ners. By the time she gits their faces washed an’ their hair 
combed an’ the bakin’ an’ mendin’ done she’s clear tuckered 
out. My last bakin’ didn’t last no time; an’ if you’ll 
kindly give me a few loaves of bread an’ a jug of merlasses 
I’ll be much obleeged. 

Santa: Certainly, my dear madam, certainly. Just have 
them sit down, somewhere, and we will give them some¬ 
thing that will make their eyes shine. 

Mother Goose: Come right over here, dearies. [Mother 
Goose leads way. Children follow, rushing, scrambling, 
and falling down. Old Woman switches them.] 


62 


THE NEW CHEISTMAS BOOK 


Old Woman: Now don’t behave like a passel of wild 
Injuns. I did hope you’d have a few manners when you 
was away from hum. 

Mother Goose: Children will be children, sister. [Mother 
Goose and Old Woman seat Children. Santa gives Chil¬ 
dren candy, and loaves of bread and jug of molasses to Old 
Woman. Children eat candy. Old Woman cuts bread 
and spreads with molasses. Children gaze, open-mouthed, 
at new arrivals, nudge each other, giggle, etc. Old Woman 
administers correction; takes one or two across knee and 
spanks with slipper. Keep up amusing pantomime. Sound 
of horn outside. Mother Goose opens door. Enter 
Little Boy Blue.] 

Mother Goose: Bless your dear heart! Ain’t this my 
little Boy Blue? 

Boy Blue: Yes, mum. I blew my horn. 

Mother Goose: He, he, he! Not the only one who blows 
their own horn. 

Santa [ shaking hands with Boy Blue] : Glad to see you, 
my fine little lad. And what would you like for a Christ¬ 
mas present, to-day? 

Boy Blue : If you please, Mr. Santa, I’d like a nice pillow 
to put under my head. The hay seed is always getting in 
my hair. 

Santa: Boys often have worse things than hay seed in 
their heads now-a-days, son. However, every one is to 
have just what they ask for to-day. [Gives pillow to Boy 
Blue, who settles himself for nap. Shoe Children tickle 
him with straws. He slaps at them, sits up, rubs eyes, 
blows horn and goes to sleep again. Repeat. Old Woman 
catches Shoe Children and sivitches them. Mother 
Goose answers knock at door. Enter Queen-of-Hearts.] 

Mother Goose : Sakes alive! if it ain’t the Queen-of-Hearts. 
Walk right in, your Majesty. We give you a hearty 
welcome. 

Queen-of-Hearts: Thank you, dear Mother Goose. 

Santa: Welcome, fair queen. If Santa wasn’t such an old 
fellow you’d soon be wearing another heart on your sleeve. 
For what is our lovely queen wishing this merry Christmas ? 


DIALOGUES, PLAYS, EXERCISES 


63 


Queen-of-Hearts : I hear that yon have just published a 
Mother Goose Cook Book. Fd be delighted to have one. 
I want to try her recipe for making tarts. 

Santa [presenting her with booh ] : If any one could beat 
the Queen-of-Hearts at making tarts it would be Mother 
Goose. I wouldn’t like to decide between you. 

Mother Goose: Maybe you wouldn’t find it so hard to do 
ef one of us was away. 

Santa [aside, winhing ] : Don’t she understand a fellow ? 

Mother Goose : Step right over to my kitchen table. 
You’ll find all the ingredients an’ everything handy an’ 
clean, ef I do say it myself. 

Queen-of-Hearts: Thank you. 

[Mother Goose answers rap at door . Queen-of-Hearts 
seats herself and reads cook book . Then busies herself with 
baking utensils. Shoe Children show . interest. Enter 
Frog-Who-Would-a-Wooing-Go.] 

Mother Goose : Dearie me! Come right in. Ain’t you 
most froze? 

Frog : Yes, mum; I’m cold as a frog. 

Santa: Well, well, little man! Isn’t this a cold day for 
you to be out? 

Frog [ laying hand on heart] : My heart is warm, sir. As 
I lay, in the torpor of despair, I heard it whispered that 
Santa Claus was giving every one their heart’s desire. 
Give unto me a sweet song to sing when a-wooing I go. 

Santa : Well, well, sonny; sorry to say that’s out of my line. 
If you’d asked for a drum, or a horn, or a jewsharp, or 
mouth organ, I’d have been all right. But here’s Mother 
Goose, the Queen of Song, she’ll give you one that would 
melt a frozen heart. 

Mother Goose: Love songs ain’t jist in my line, but I 
reckon I might make one up for the poor leetle creeter. 
I’ll line it fer you, like Parson Goodwin used to, an’ you 
sing it arter me. [Mother Goose sings, in thin, quaver¬ 
ing voice. Air: Ben Bolt: “A gallant Frog has* come to 
woo, to woo.”] 

Frog [with hoarse voice and great effort] : Ker-chug, ker- 
chug, ker-chug, ker-choo, ker-choo. 


64 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


Mother Goose : You’ve caught the tune middlin’ good, but 
you don’t seem to catch the words. Let’s try the second 
line: “His velvet coat is green an’ new.” 

Frog : Ker-chug, ker-chug, ker-chug, ker-choo. 

Mother Goose : Dearie me! That ain’t much better, as I 
can see. Try this line: “His eyes are full of love for 
you, for you.” 

Frog : Ker-chug, ker-chug, ker-chug, ker-choo, ker-choo. 
Mother Goose : Land sakes! Well, try the last line: “An’ 
his collar right in fashion.” 

Frog: Ker-chug, ker-chug, ker-ash-un. 

Mother Goose : Well, I think you can manage the tune, but 
the words will need considerbul studyin’. I’ll write ’em 
down fer you. [Mother Goose writes. Frog seems ex¬ 
hausted. Wipes face with red handkerchief.] 

Santa: Don’t be discouraged, son. That’s a beautiful song; 
enough to melt the coldest heart. 

[Mother Goose gives Frog paper. He studies diligently, 
wipes face and occasionally hums: “Ker-chug, ker-chug, 
ker-chug, ker-choo,” or “Ker-chug, ker-chug, ker-ash-un.” 
Ringing of bells at door. Mother Goose opens it.] 
Mother Goose : Walk right in, Mrs. Bells-on-Her-Toes. I 
thought that was you a-ringin’. 

Santa [gallantly] : Glad to meet the belle of the party. 

Have you an ungratified Christmas wish? 

Mrs. Bells-on-Toes [wiping eyes] : Alas! my faithful old 
white horse is dead. Could you, possibly, find me another ? 
Santa: Certainly, certainly. I have one that will just suit 
you. Step this way. [Draws rocking-horse from scenes.] 
Here’s just the thing. Warranted not to kick or run away; 
easy as a rocking chair. A woman or child can manage 
him. [Santa assists Mrs. Bells-on-Toes to mount. She 
rocks. Knock at door. Mother Goose answers it.] 
Mother Goose : Well, I do say! Walk right in, dearies. 

[Enter Little Eed Riding Hood, Babes in the Wood, 
Jack Horner, Little Bo-Peep and Jack and Jill.] 
Santa: Well, well, bless my heart! What a fine lot of chil¬ 
dren. I’m delighted to see you. And what would you 
like for a Christmas present ? 


DIALOGUES, PLAYS, EXERCISES 


65 


Jack: Jill and I would like a new pail. Our old one got 
broken when we fell down hill. 

Santa: That was a sad accident. I read an account of it 
at the time. Here’s one that I warrant not to break. 
[Gives pail to Jack. Jack and Jill sit on inverted pail, 
Jack putting arm around Jill. 

Bo-Peep: Dear Santa, could you give me some new coats 
for my sheep? Some heartless wretch has sheared them 
and the poor dears are just shivering. 

Santa : I’m dreadful sorry, dear, but .my coats are not “war¬ 
ranted to be all wool.” But I’ll tell you what I’ll do. I’ll 
give you a bottle of hair restorer. You just follow direc¬ 
tions and they’ll soon have fine new coats of their own. 
[Santa gives her a bottle. Bo-Peep reads directions. 
Shoe Child steals her crook.] 

Red Riding Hood: Please, could you give me something 
good for grandma to eat? She’s sick. 

Mother Goose: Just run over to the Queen-of-Hearts, 
honey. She’s bakin’ tarts an’ I know she’d admire to send 
some to your grandma. [Queen-of-Hearts fills basket 
and gives Red Riding Hood one for herself. She eats.] 
Babes-in-the-Wood : We’re the Babes-in-the-Wood. Will 
you please give us a blanket to cover us up with? The 
leaves keep blowing off. 

Santa: You poor, dear babies, you! Here’s something 
that will keep you nice and warm. [Gives small blanket.] 
Mother Goose: Come this way, darlings. [Wraps them 
in blanket.] There, ain’t that comfortable? [Babes fall 
asleep. Shoe Child pulls off blanket.] 

Santa : And what would Master J ack Horner like ? 

Jack Horner: If you please, sir, I’d like a fat mince pie, 
chock-full of plums, and a silver fork to pick ’em out with. 
[Santa gives him the pie.] 

Shoe Child : Gimme one, too! 

Old Woman: Shet up! Eat your bread an’ ’lasses. [Jack 
seats himself in corner, eats, pulls out and holds up plums. 
Mother Goose answers knock at door.] 

Mother Goose: Walk right in, Cinderella. I’m glad to 
see you lookin’ so well an’ wearin’ a pretty dress. 


66 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


Santa : And what does pretty Cinderella want to make her 
Christmas merry? 

Cinderella : Please, sir, have you any glass slippers ? Fve 
lost one of mine. 

Santa: Indeed, P have, and just a fit for your little feet. 
[Gives pair of white slippers. In meantime Mother 
Goose admits the Prince and now escorts him forward.'] 

Mother Goose : An’ here is some one who will make your 
Christmas merrier yet. [Cinderella looks down, bash¬ 
fully. Prince leads her aside , kneels and puts slippers on 
Cinderella's feet. Mother Goose answers knock.] 

Mother Goose : Come right in to the fire. Dame Trot. This 
cold weather must be powerful hard on your rheumatiz. 

Dame Trot: Yes, dretful hard. 

Santa: How do you do, Dame Trot? Pm always glad to 
meet old friends. And what can I do for you to-day ? 

Dame Trot: I was a wonderin’, Nicolas, if you couldn’t 
give me somethin’ fer my rheumatiz ? 

Santa: I believe I have just the thing. Dr. Quack’s Rheu¬ 
matic Exterminator. Try a bottle of it. [Hands her bottle.] 

Dame Trot: Thank you, Nicolas. You’d ought to a been 
a doctor. [Mother Goose answers knock. Dame Trot 
hobbles away, opens bottle and rubs hands, setting bottle 
on floor beside her. Shoe Child tips it over. Dame 
Trot hits child with cane.] 

Mother Goose: Well, ef this ain’t Mother Hubbard! I 
hain’t seen you fer a long spell. 

Santa: Another old friend. Glad to see you, glad to see 
you. And what would you like best, to-day? 

Mother Hubbard : If it’s all the same to you, I’d like a lot 
of bones for my dog. 

Santa : Ha, ha, ha! a bonus, eh ? 

Mother Goose : You jest wait till arfter dinner an’ there’ll 
be any amount of nice fresh ones. 

Mother Hubbard: Thank you, sister. You alius was a 
thoughtful critter. 

Santa: What she can’t think of isn’t worth thinking of. 
[Sound of fiddles outside. Mother Goose goes to door. 
Mother Hubbard knits. Enter King Cole and Fiddlers.] 


DIALOGUES, PLAYS, EXERCISES 


67 


Mother Goose : Well, ef here ain’t King Cole, the jolly old 
soul, an’ his three fiddlers. [Shakes hands.] Jest in time. 
The company would be divarsified with a leetle music. 

Santa [shaking hands all around ] : Here’s a royal welcome 
for jolly King Cole and his celebrated musicians. Can I 
do anything to make you more fat and jolly? 

King Cole [bowing gallantly to Mother Goose] : I’ll take 
dinner with Mother Goose, for the first, and I’d feel jollier 
if these three rascals had new fiddles. Discords in the 
family sort of hinder dijistion. Play a little and let 
Nicolas see if they ain’t about worn out. [Fiddlers make 
discordant sounds on violins. Santa puts fingers in ears. 
Children are frightened.] 

Santa: Hold on! hold on! It will do my heart good to 
relieve so distressing a case. [Santa gives violins to Fid¬ 
dlers. They take off old hats and bow, then draw bows 
across strings, producing sweet sounds.] 

Santa : That’s fine! 

King Cole [flourishing pipe ] : Harmony is restored! 

Mother Goose: They might jest play a leetle, while the 
company’s walkin’ out to dinner. Come on, dinner’s waitin’. 

[They march off stage, Santa and Mother Goose lead¬ 
ing and Old Woman bringing up at the rear, driving Shoe 
Children before her. If desired they might go through 


with the evolur 
before passing off.] 


tions of a march 












68 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


AN UNSUCCESSFUL HUNT 

Clara J. Denton 

A FAIRY PLAY FOR ANY NUMBER OF BOYS AND GIRLS 
CHARACTERS 

Thistledown, Puff, Whiff, Tiptoe, Sparkle, Spangle : all Fairies; 
Queen of the Fairies; as many other Fairies as possible, all of 
whom should be able to sing. Those to whom names are given are 
the only ones with separate speaking parts. Four Pages : little boys. 


COSTUMES 

Pages: Blouses and knickerbockers of white, shoes and hosiery of 
same. Fairies: Short, white, fluffy gowns; gauze wings; white 
hosiery and shoes. The Queen wears a crown made of pasteboard, 
covered with gilt paper. She also carries a scepter, which is merely 
a gilded stick. Her gown, unlike the others, is made with a sweep¬ 
ing train. 


SCENE 

The woods; the stage should be freely decorated with greenery and 
palms, and small evergreen trees are placed at convenient points. 
Snow may be imitated by cotton batting, “diamond dust/’ or finely 
cut white paper. 

GENERAL DIRECTIONS 

The children are discovered, the Queen seated on her throne, which 
occupies the back-center of the stage. The throne is formed by 
placing a large arm-chair on a dais. This dais should be covered 
with green cloth. The arm-chair should be freely decorated with 
green vines or evergreens, whichever is most convenient. The Fairies 
are arranged in lines, running from either side of the throne around 
the stage. The four Pages sit on the dais, two on either side. They 
have no lines. Their duties are simply to hold up the Queen’s train 
when she marches out, and when the different Fairies are called upon 
by the Queen, to run forward, taking their places, two on either side 
of her, and thus escort her to the front of the throne. The six 
Fairies who have lines must stand at the front of stage, and each 
one, on coming to the throne, makes a low curtsey before speaking. 
After speaking, each Fairy takes her place on the dais. 

Music to all of the songs mentioned in this little play may be found 
in Merry Melodies, which book may be had of the publisher* of this 
volume for fifteen cents postpaid. 


DIALOGUES, PLAYS, EXERCISES 


69 


All [at rise of curtain , sing , repeating chorus after each 
verse ] : 


Song: Where is Santa Claus? 
Tune: may 

0, where does dear old Santa live? 

Come, tell us if you know; 

We want to see his swift reindeer 
That like the lightning go. 


Chorus: 

Yes, yes, yes, yes, tell us where he hides away, 

Tell us, tell us, we’ll visit him to-day. 

If he is living far, far off, 

Amid the snow and ice. 

We’ll sail away on lightest wings 
And find him in a trice. 

Or, if he lives ’mong birds and flowers. 

Beneath a glowing sun, 

We’ll hie away and find him there 
Before the day is done. 

Or, if upon a lonely isle 
His happy home belongs, 

We’ll thither haste to smile on him 
And cheer him with our songs. 

Queen [rises in.her place] : Where does Santa Claus live? 
That is the old, old question which has been asked by every 
child who hears the story of his goodness and kindness to 
children. But it is a question which has never been 
answered. As we Fairies live to serve the children, since 
they are the only ones who still believe in us, we decided 
to find the answer to this great puzzle. Your Queen ap¬ 
pointed Thistledown, Puff, Whiff, Tiptoe, Sparkle and 


70 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


Spangle to go on this wonderful quest, and we are now 
gathered here to hear their different reports. Thistledown, 
we will first hear from you. 

Thistledown [following directions] : Your Majesty, after 
receiving your orders to find out the spot where Santa Claus 
made his home, I stood on the top of a bunch of dried 
leaves wondering in what direction I would better turn to 
find him. It had always seemed to me that the land of ice 
and snow, the place where the reindeer skim lightly over 
the frozen fields, was the spot where Santa Claus would 
surely be found, so I spread my wings and turned my face 
toward the white and cheerless North, but at that very 
instant the West Wind came along, gave a great puff and, 
before I really knew what was the matter 1 was speeding 
away to the West. I know you have not the time to listen 
to my adventures, of which I had many, so I will only 
say that in all my travels I found no sign of Santa Claus, 
neither could I find any one who knew anything about his 
dwelling place. [She curtsies and sits on dais.] 

Queen [ rising ] : It is too bad that your quest was unsuc¬ 
cessful, but I am sure your adventures paid you for the 
journey. Some day we will hear all about it. And now, 
Puff, let us have your story. 

Puff [following directions ] : Your Majesty, like dear This¬ 
tledown I felt sure that I should find Santa Claus at the 
North Pole. I thought he w r ould be there because, until 
lately it was the one spot on earth where man had not 
been, but, alas! I soon discovered that Santa did not live 
among the icebergs, the snow and the white bears, and thus 
my quest has also been in vain. [ Curtsies and sits on 
dais.] 

All [sing, repeating chorus after each verse] : 

Song: Not in the Land of Snow 
Tune: merrily row 
Not in the far and frozen north 
Where days are dark and cold, 

Where white bears live, where icebergs float, 

And men are strong and bold. 


DIALOGUES, PLAYS, EXERCISES 


71 


Chorus: 

No, no, no, not in the land of snow, 

No, no, no, not where the icebergs grow. [Repeat.] 


Across the white and frozen ice 
His reindeer seem to wing, 

But when it comes to living there 
’Tis quite another thing. 

No, ? tis not there the dear Saint lives 
The Fairies know, because 
They have been there; and so elsewhere 
They’ll seek for Santa Claus. 

Queen [ rising] : Though we have not yet heard where Santa 
Claus is, perhaps it is worth something to know where he 
is not. Come now, Whiff, we will hear what success you 
have had. 

Whiff [following directions] : Your Majesty, I felt almost 
sure that some of the other Fairies would fly at once to the 
Northland, so I decided not to go there. I tried to think 
in what part of the world were found the most beautiful 
things: the flowers, the birds, the gorgeous silks, the precious 
stones, the cunningly made ornaments, and I decided all 
those things were nearly all brought from the East; so I 
said that that must be where Santa Claus lives and works. 
So I flew long and far, always going eastward,.but, alas! 
although like our dear Thistledown I had many adventures 
and saw more strange things than I could tell you of in 
half a day, I found no track or trace of Santa’s home. 
Indeed, many people in that part of the world had never 
even heard his name. [All groan. Some shake their 
heads, others look greatly surprised. This pantomime need 
last hut a moment.] That does seem strange to us, I know, 
but your Majesty, it is the truth. [Curtsies, etc.] 

Queen : Yes, truth is often stranger than fiction, and 
sometimes more difficult to believe. 


72 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


All [sing ~\: 

Song: A Sad Case 

Tune: here we go 

Never heard of Santa Claus! 

0,1 wonder what’s the cause ? 

0, dear, dear! 0, dear, dear ! 

That is very queer. 

As around the world we fly, 

Boys and girls we love to spy, 

Oft repeat, oft repeat: 

Santa can’t be beat. 

Never heard of Santa, 0 ! 

Things out there must be so slow, 

0, dear, dear! 0, dear, dear! 

That is very queer. 

We should all fly quickly there, 

Tell his story o’er with care, 

Oft repeat, oft repeat: 

Santa can’t be beat. 

Queen [ rising ] : That is a pretty song, my Fairies, and a 
true one, too, for most unfortunate, indeed, is the child 
who has never heard of Santa Claus. And, now, dear 
Tiptoe, let us know where you have been. 

Tiptoe [following directions ] : Your Majesty, it has always 
seemed to me that Santa Claus would love the beautiful 
Southland where it is summer all the year round: where 
the birds are ever singing, and where the roses are bloom¬ 
ing at Christmas-time. That is surely the place for the 
good old Saint, I said to myself, and so away I flew. But, 
though I kept on going farther and farther south, I heard 
nothing of Santa Claus except in the same way, to wonder 
and wonder in what strange land he hid all the year 
round to make the beautiful things which he carries on 
his travels at this happy season. By and by, I left behind 


DIALOGUES, PLAYS, EXERCISES 


73 


the warm, bright weather: then I heard that, even at the 
south there was a place where it was cold, that it was called 
the south pole and that no one had ever been there. I 
said: Ah! it is very likely that Santa’s home is in that 
queer country, a cold place in the south. So away I went, 
but, no, he was not there. I found only ice and snow and 
long dark nights, so I hastened back again and can only tell 
the same old story: I cannot find the home of Santa Claus. 
[Same business.] 

Queen : The dear old Saint is good at hiding, but, come now 
merry Sparkle, tell us where you have been. 

Sparkle [same business] : Your Majesty, I flew over the 
sparkling ocean and found a large and beautiful island. 
Here, thought I, is just the place for Santa Claus: the 
beautiful water all about him, and not a mortal on the 
whole island to bother him. I staid there several hours 
and wandered all about, finding many beautiful things, 
but no Santa Claus! Then as my time was up, I was 
forced to leave the enchanting spot and return to you with 
the same story as the others: I could not find Santa Claus. 

Queen [rising] : I have no doubt your island was a very 
charming spot, but I do not think Santa would be likely to 
live on an island in the middle of the ocean, for I don’t 
believe that either he or his reindeer have learned the art 
of swimming. And now, dear little Spangle, we have heard 
from all but you. Perhaps you can tell us something about 
where this dear, naughty Santa is hiding? 

Spangle [repeats business of others] : Your Majesty, as 
soon as I found that I was one of those appointed to hunt 
old Santa, I set about thinking where he would be most 
apt to go if he wanted to be alone, and have no one med¬ 
dling with him. And I made up my mind I would go at 
once to the highest mountain that I could find. So, away I 
flew. I found a spot so high that I could look down on 
the world, but, could not even see people. I saw something 
moving about like tiny black specks but that was all. So I 
said, surely this is just the spot for Santa Claus to choose. 
Here he can work without ever being troubled, for no mor¬ 
tal man or woman could or would ever scale these heights. 


74 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


But, sad to tell, I wandered all about that mountain, until 
I had examined every cave and every nook, but dear Santa 
was not to be found, so I started to return home. When I 
had flown many miles \ stopped to rest beneath a maple 
tree, where two white-haired men were talking, and one of 
them said: “The myth of Santa Claus is a beautiful one 
for it stands for love and unselfishness.” I didn’t under¬ 
stand just what he meant, but I said it over and over to 
myself so that I might remember and repeat it to you. 
[Curtsies and sits.] 

Queen [ rising ] : You have given me something to think 
about, dear Spangle. I will keep those words in my mind 
a few minutes. 

All [sing] : 

Song: Tell Us, Dear Santa 

Tune: teach us something new to-day 

(TJse in this chorus only first two lines of chorus tune.) 

Santa Claus, where do you stay ? 

Wherefore hide so far away ? 

Don’t you know the children small 
Want to see you, one and all? 

Santa Claus, a rogue you are, 

Hiding long, and hiding far. 

Tell us why your jolly face 
Ne’er is seen in any place. 

If you’d give us just one sight 
Of your hair and beard so white, 

Greater far our love would grow, 

Santa, don’t you know ’tis so ? 

Chorus: 

Then tell us, dear Santa, just where you belong, 

And we’ll tell the children in bright, merrv song. 


DIALOGUES, PLAYS, EXERCISES 


75 


Queen [rising] : 1 think I now understand just what the 

gray-haired man meant. We never can find dear Santa’s 
home, neither can we see him in person, but wherever love 
and unselfishness hides in the human heart, there the true 
spirit of Christmas abides, and that, after all, is even better 
than the presence of the jolly old Saint. Therefore, feel 
not discouraged, my Fairies: our quest has ^iot been in 
vain. [ Turning to audience :] And you, m^ dear people, 
examine well your hearts, being careful to see that only 
Kindness, Love, Sympathy and Good Cheer are permitted 
to make their permanent home within them. 

[The Queen leaves the throne. March music is played, 
the Pages hear her train. Fairies follow in couples, all 
march to left, then turn and march across stage and off at 
right .] 


CHRISTMAS SECRETS 

Thos. B. Weaver 

A MUSICAL PLAY IN TWO SCENES FOR ANY NUMBER OF 

CHILDREN 

CHARACTERS 

Christmas Cousins : Dorothy, Ruth, Rose, Mollie, Ralph, Frank, 
Harold, Joe. Santa Claus; Sally Mullin, a waif; Christmas 
Fairy; Brownies; Children op “Good-Night Song.” 

RECIPE FOR CHRISTMAS PIE 

Put toys, fruits, and candies into a large washtub, for which make 
an adjustable cover of heavy, brown paper, perforated and painted to 
represent the top of a pie. Conceal the Christmas Fairy inside the 
tub. She carries a small music-box, to be played during the Brown¬ 
ies ’ songs, and before her appearance. 

SCENE I 

A parlor. Room is dimly lighted. The eight cousins are prettily 
grouped about the fireplace. Dorothy and Ruth have arms around 
each other’s waists, and heads close together, as if whispering. Rose 
rocks doll in cradle, bending above her, uplifts her finger as if 
-saying, “Hush.” Ralph, Frank, and Harold mimic girls’ gestures. 
Joe and Mollie are stringing corn, and whispering. 


76 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


All [sing] : 

Christmas Secrets 

Words and Music by Thos. B. Weaver 


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Dorothy [as song ends] : That’s just what Buth and I were 
whispering about—and Santa Claus. 

All [gathering about her] : Santa Claus? 




























































































DIALOGUES, PLAYS, EXERCISES 77 

Ruth : Yes, Santa Clans; and we thought of the nicest 
plan. 

Rose : Oh, tell us, Ruth; please do. 

All [eagerly] : Yes, yes; do tell us. 

Dorothy [in low tones] : You see we have thought so often 
how we might catch Santa Claus, and we think this to be 
the very best time. 

Frank : But how, Dorothy ? 

Dorothy : Well, all the cousins are here to-night; and now, 
instead of going to bed, we’ll just get ready, and when all 
the grown folks have gone we’ll slip back downstairs and 
hide in the parlor, under the chairs and sofas and tables 
and- 

Harold : But, s’pose we go to sleep, Dorothy ? 

Ruth: We will not all go to sleep, Harold; and whoever 
keeps awake until Santa Claus comes, that one must wake 
the others. 

Rose : Oh! won’t it be fun! I should just love to be the 
one to keep awake. Wouldn’t I like to meet dear old St. 
Nick all by myself! 

All [mirthfully'] : Oh, Rose! You ought to be ashamed of 
yourself! 

Ruth: Besides, you must remember that he is old. And 
I have heard it said that he is married, too! [They all 
laugh.] 

Rose : That will do; on with the plans. 

Frank: Let’s go quick and find the other cousins and tell 
them. 

All [clapping hands] : Oh ! won’t it be fun ! 

Dorothy : Hark! here they are. 

[Children of “Good-Night Song” enter two and two, 
holding in each hand a fancy stocking. During the singing 
of each stanza they may give a fancy march about room, 
taking positions across front of room for drill. A bell should 
be struck once during each line of first stanza to represent 
a clock. The children wear nighties and caps.] 



78 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


All [ sing ] : 


Good-Night Song 

Words and Music by Thos. B. Weaver 


I 




£53 






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DIALOGUES, PLAYS, EXEECISES 


79 


Good-Night Drill 

To accompany the song. Drill after each stanza, music 
continuing. 

Position the same as on entrance. Hold left hand raised. 
Swing stocking held forward in left hand, four times to left 
and back to right, eight counts. Then drop left hand to side 
and go through same movements with right hand. Now with 
both hands, using eight counts in each exercise. Both hands 
brought to chest, extend right, at arm’s length, on level with 
shoulder, then back to chest, eight counts. With right on 
chest extend left forward and back to chest, eight counts. 
Now with both hands, eight counts. Drop right hand to side 
and back to chest, eight counts. Same with left hand. With 
both hands. 

After last drill, music still playing, march to fireplace, 
where nails have been placed for stockings. Each child hangs 
his stockings. The eight cousins, who have been seated around 
the fireplace, join others, hanging their stockings also. When 
all have finished, they face audience, each with finger on his 
lips for silence and other hand held slightly raised, appar¬ 
ently listening for Santa Claus, all form tableau, while music 
grows very soft, and curtain falls. 

SCENE II 

As before. Eoom dimly lighted. 

Sally [tip-toeing in, touches things timidly, and finally talks 
to herself ] : Santa’s cornin’ here sure. D’ye see them 
stockin’s, Sally Mullin ? My! but won’t they be stuffed, 
though? I’m just a-goin’ to squat right down here by 
the fire; mebby Santa'11 give me just a bit o’ Christmas 
for my really and truly self. I’ll ask’m anyhow. 

[She curls up before the fire and soon falls asleep. Then 
outside is heard a faint “tinkle, tinkle” of approaching 
bells, and a far-off “toot-toot” of a horn. These grow 
clearer until Santa is heard saying ] : 

“Now Dasher, now Dancer, now Prancer and Yixon, 

On Cupid, on Comet, on Dunder and Blitzen; 


80 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


To the top of the porch, to the top of the wall, 

Now dash away, dash away, dash away all.” 

[Amid noise of bells and beats of hoofs Santa, lifting 
hand for silence, appears in doorway, steals to fireplace 
and gleefully fills stockings. Suddenly he stumbles over 
Sally and falls with a great clatter of toys to the floor. 
As he is picking himself up from all sides spring up the 
Cousins in night-gowns and night-caps .] 

The Cousins [ gathering about Santa] : Oh, goodie! goodie! 
goodie! We’ve caught you at last, Santa; we’ve caught 
you at last; we have, we have, etc. 

[Before Santa can speak Mollie ties a handkerchief 
over his eyes and all engage in a rousing game of ft Blind 
Man's Buff." Sally, undiscovered, stands in bewilderment, 
rubbing her eyes until she is caught and brought forward 
by Santa.] 

Santa [ removing hoodwink ]: Well! well! well! Who’s 
this? A new cousin, isn’t it? Eh? 

Children [crowding about him]: Why, who is it? Who 
is it? 

Dorothy : She isn’t one of our cousins. 

Mollie [coaxingly] : Who are you, little girl ? D you 
come in with Santa ? 

Sally : I ain’t nobody ’tall; just Sally Mullin. 

Ruth [kindly] : But, where did you come from, Sally? Did 
you want to find someone? 

All : What did you want, Sally ? Tell us, etc. 

Sally [bashfully] : I didn’t want to find nobody, but just 
Santa Claus. I s’posed he might have just a bit of Christ¬ 
mas left over for me. Youse see, Sir [to Santa], I didn’t 
never have no Christmas, and all I wanted was just a tiny 
bit o’ it to put in my stockin’. I earned some money and 
got these stockin’s just on purpose, Sir. [She shows the 
red stockings, many times too large for her. The Cousins, 
when they see the big stockings, clap their hands and laugh 
heartily and Santa’s eyes open to their limit.] 

Children : Oh! oh! oh! She never had a Christmas. Just 
think of it! 


DIALOGUES, PLAYS, EXERCISES 


81 


Mollie : Did you never have a Christmas tree —Sally ? 

Joe : I say, didn’t you ever have a Christmas stocking ? 

Sally : Never had nothin’. 

[Children gather about Santa and tell him what 
Sally had said and beg of him to fill her big stockings. 
His smiling face begins to darken, as he thinks of his em¬ 
barrassing position .] 

Santa [perplexed] : But, you see, children, I came here last 
of all to-night, and there were so many little cousins, each 
with such a big stocking, that every one of my gifts is gone. 

Children [sorrowfully ] : What can we do ? 

Sally [sobbing ] : Oh, then I can’t have my Christmas after 
all. Oh, dear ! oh, dear! 

[The Cousins in groups of twos and threes consult in 
whispers . Santa watches them approvingly.] 

Dorothy [Santa nodding assent] : We cousins have talked 
it all over, Sally, and we know just what to do. We’ll 
Santa Claus to you and share our Christmas with’ you. 
That will give you the loveliest one you can imagine. 
Santa knows. 

Santa [taking Sally in his arms, while the others crowd 
about him] : Yes, Sally, it will be the loveliest kind of a 
Christmas. Now, Sally, listen! These cousins have found 
the best of all Christmas secrets, that is, that ’tis better, 
more blessed, to give and to make others happy than to get 
or receive Christmas presents. In celebrating the birth of 
the Christ-child, Sally, which is our Christmas day, what 
could be a more beautiful way than making it a gift¬ 
giving time, do you know ? . . . Nothing, child, noth¬ 

ing. And although my birthday really occurs on December 
16, for your sake and that of other children the two feasts 
have been brought together. May you always enjoy them. 

[All sing as Santa sits in a big chair and holds Sally 
on his lap. When the chorus is sung, the Children catch 
hands, form circle about Santa and waltz around him 
until the chorus ends, bowing to him gracefully as they 
pass before him.] 


82 


THE NEW CHKISTMAS BOOK 


All [sing] : 

How We Caught Santa 

Words and Music by Thos. B. Weaver 




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DIALOGUES, PLAYS, EXERCISES 


83 


How We Caught Santa—C oncluded 

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84 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


[As Cousins finish song , Brownies outside take it up , 
repeating chorus. Children and Santa face entrance. In 
dance the Brownies, pulling a sled on which is the Christ¬ 
mas pie. With the liveliest of antics they draw the sled to 
the center of the room.'] 

Brownies [reciting in a sing-song way , as they go along:] 

Sing a song of Christmas, 

Stockings hanging high, 

Four-and-twenty sugar plums 
In a Christmas pie. 

When the pie is opened 
Cousins all will sing: 

Isn’t that a dainty dish 
To set before our king ? 

[On last line they bow low to Santa with lifted caps.] 

Cousins [in ecstasy ] : A Christmas pie! a real Christmas 
pie ! Oh, goodie! oh, goodie! 

Mollie [to Santa] : How do you make Christmas pie, 
Santa ? 

Santa [laughing] : A Christmas pie? Just take- 

Brownies [in sing-song , with comic gestures]: 

Of books four-and-twenty, 

Of toys a big plenty. 

Ten pounds of candy, 

Much more if it’s handy. 

Flavor with smiles. 

Then stir all together. 

Between crusts light as feather; 

If you children will try, 

You can make Christmas pie. 

[Soft music comes from inside of pie. As the Children 
listen the top of pie is thrown off and out springs the 
Christmas Fairy. Bowing to Santa, she throws kisses 
airily to Children.] 



DIALOGUES, PLAYS, EXERCISES 


85 


Fairy : I’m one of the Christmas fairies. They all are abroad 
in the world to-night. Peace and Good-will, and Joy, and 
Love, and many others. I’m one of the tiniest fairies, but 
I have a long name: it is Blessedness. And I always leave 
behind me one of my happy smiles for each good child 
that has made some heart glad. 

[/STte lifts her wand, and ihe room grows silent. To soft, 
bewitching music, with the aid of the Brownies, who are 
as comic as possible, she distributes the contents of the pie, 
after which Brownies clasp hands, form circle and dance 
around pie and recite in sing-song way: Sing a song of 
Christmas, etc., as before .] 

Sally [at conclusion of recitation ] : I say, Sally Mullin, 
just you wake up now. You’re only a dreamin,’ my dear. 
Such things as these can’t be true, you know. Not really 
and truly true. Wake up! 

Dorothy : But this isn’t a dream, Sally. Listen to the pretty 
Christmas carol. 

[All stand in pretty attitudes of listening, while outdoors 
is sung clearly any well-known carol or hymn. All might 
join reverently in last stanza. Form pretty tableau about 
Santa and Sally on one side and Fairy on other, as cur¬ 
tain falls and song draws to a close.'] 


TROUBLE IN THE TOYROOM 

Clara J. Denton 

FOR ANY NUMBER OF BOYS AND GIRLS 
CHARACTERS 

(Mentioned in order of their first appearance.) 

Prime Minister Christmas Fairy (girl) 

Master of the Toyroom Other Toymakers, as many as 

Whittler, a toymaTcer (boy) convenient. (These have short 

Six Toym akers, having speak- speaking parts in concert.) 
ing parts Santa Claus 

COSTUMES 

Prime Minister: Blouse and knickerbockers of velveteen, trimmed 
with tinsel. 


86 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


Master of the Toyroom: Blouse and knickerbockers of ermine. (A 
very good imitation of ermine may be made by putting splashes of 
black paint or ink on Canton flannel.) 

Whittler: A workman’s blouse and overalls. 

Toymakers: The same costume as that of the Whittier. 

Christmas Fairy : A short, white gown, skirt made very full, gauze 
wings. 

Santa Claus: Usual costume. 

SCENE 

In front of the toyroom of Santa Claus. If possible, there should 
be a door up stage at center. Garden bench at right-front. Very 
few stage decorations. Plants or palms may stand about, but as the 
action of the Toymakers when entering is very rapid, plants, if used 
at all, must be placed well in the rear. 

When characters all stand together at right-front, gazing at the 
supposed “bird,” their manner must show much excitement, and the 
field or opera-glasses must pass quickly from one to the other. 
Curtain rises on empty stage. 


Enter Prime Minister at left. 

Prime Minister [comes down stage ] : Well, well, here it is 
the afternoon of the last day and I do believe the thing is 
not done yet. I wonder what those toymakers are think¬ 
ing of to be so slow about this one thing. I never knew 
them to act like this before. There must be some reason 
for it. [Master of the Toyroom enters at door up cen¬ 
ter.'] Ah, there you are! I’m glad to see you. How is 
the work coming on ? 

Master [coming doivn and seating himself on bench] : 0, 
much the same as usual. Have you seen anything of 
Whittier ? 

Prime Minister: Whittier? No, pray why should I see 
anything of him ? 

Master: I sent him with a message to Father Santa and I 
thought you might have run across him. 

Prime Minister : No, in fact I did not come from Father 
Santa. But, what do you want of him? Anything gone 
wrong ? 

Master: Not exactly. But I sent Whittier to do one of 
two things, either talk Father Santa out of this wild 


DIALOGUES, PLAYS, EXERCISES 


87 


scheme of making the toy aeroplane, or else to get some 
further details as to its workmanship. 

Prime Minister: And Whittier hasn’t returned yet? 

Master: No, and so I fear he is not succeeding very well in 
his errand. 

Prime Minister [ laughing ] : Very probably not. You are 
aware, of course, that it is not the easiest thing in the world 
to talk Father Santa out of any notion when once it has 
fixed itself in his active brain. 

Master : Don’t I know that to my sorrow ? Goodness, when 
I think of all the wild notions that he has had in his head! 
There was the Automatic Doll Dresser, for instance: you 
remember that? 

Prime Minister [laughing] : Indeed I do! warranted to 
dress a doll in exactly two minutes and a half. 

Master: Then there was the Squawk Placer, which he de¬ 
clared could place the squawks, squeaks and howls inside of 
any animal with just three turns of the wrist. 

Prime Minister [laughing] : Yes, yes, I well remember 
that and how angry he was when we laughed at his 
attempted explanations of the scheme. 

Master: All his wild schemes and inventions wouldn’t be 
so bad, if he would work them out fully, but when he 
just gives outlines and expects the workers in the toy- 
room to fill in the details, then trouble begins. 

Prime Minister: I judge by that you are having trouble 
with the aeroplane ? 

Master: Trouble? That’s a mild name for it. The truth 
is the men are so rattled that they have nearly driven me 
crazy. He can tell us fast enough what he wants his new 
machine to do, but just how we are to make it do those 
things he can tell no more than the Sultan of Sulu. 

Prime Minister : What are you going to do about it ? 

Master: That’s more than I know, and that is why I sent 
Whittier to see him. He may be able to pick up some de¬ 
tails, but I hardly expect it. [Whistling heard behind 
scenes.\ Ah, I think that is Whittier now. [Whittler 
enters; comes down.] Well, how did you make out? Get 
Father Santa talked out of his plans ? 


88 


THE NEW CHEISTMAS BOOK 


Whittler [ sitting beside Master] : Not a bit of it! I 
couldn’t move him one inch. He says his schemes are 
simple and perfectly easy to execute. 

Master : Wish he’d come down here and do it himself then. 
Execute, indeed! Guess he’ll find nothing short of the 
guillotine can do that. Did you get any details ? 

Whittler: No, I didn’t do anything except to listen to 
more of his happy conceits. 

Master : What! more fancies ? 

Whittler [ rising and walking about excitedly'] : Well, you 
know, we thought we’d glue the doll fast on the little seat 
in the carriage, but he wants us to make it so that it can 
be taken out and put back at pleasure. 

Master: That is not so very much trouble, but more than 
all the rest, did you find out how high and how far he 
expects the thing to run ? 

Whittler: 0, that is the worst of the whole business. He 
says that if the child has to stay in the house, for any 
reason, the machine must be so made that he can gear it 
to run at the height of an ordinary room and within its 
limits, so that it will turn itself on reaching the wall and 
cross the room again. 

Master : How in the world does he expect us to do that ? 

Whittler : But, listen ! that is not all. He says it must be 
possible also to so arrange it that the child can take the 
thing outdoors and send it up as high as a house and off a 
block or so and have it return. [Master groans.] I don’t 
wonder you groan. Did you ever hear of anything to equal 
that! I asked him if he thought we toymakers were 
wizards, and he said yes, he supposed we were. Then he 
intimated that if we couldn’t make the machine he would 
send down to Earthland and get a mortal to come up here 
and make one. 

Master : Why didn’t you tell him to do it then ? 

Whittler: Well, the honest truth is that is just what I 
did tell him. 

Master [laughing] : Did you, indeed? Good for you! 

' What a time there would be if he should bring a mortal 


DIALOGUES, PLAYS, EXERCISES 


89 


up here. [ They both laugh .] We’d make him wish he 
had never left the solid earth. 

Whittler: There is no danger of our having that delight¬ 
ful experience. In the first place Father Santa would no 
more let a mortal know the way to Santa-Claus-Land than 
he would let one kill his reindeer. But I’ll tell you 
something that struck me when I was talking to him this 
time—but remember, now, this is in the strictest confidence 
—I hope there are no listeners around anywhere. [He 
runs around the stage, looking off at various points, as 
though suspecting some one is in hiding there.] It is my 
private opinion that Father Santa is a little off here. 
[Touches forehead .] He has been going down among those 
crazy mortals so long that he is gradually becoming just 
like them, and instead of laughing at all their vagaries, as 
he once did, he has now taken to imitating them, and, 
you know as well as I, that when any one gets to that pass 
they are in a pretty bad condition. Of course, they aren’t 
just crazy, only you have to watch out for them— you have 
to watch out for them. 

Master : 0 pshaw! I don’t agree with you. I think 

mortals are simply wonderful! Why, just think of all the 
great things they are doing all the time. And as for Father 
Santa imitating them, he has always done that more or less. 
To tell you the plain truth, I don’t think this latest notion 
of his is any madder than many others that he has had, only 
that it is a little harder for us to execute than some of his 
other fancies. [Door up stage at center opens, First Toy- 
maker steps in, then shouts back: Yes, he is here! Runs 
down to Master.] What do you suppose is the matter in 
there with the workers? 

First Toymaker: 0, Master, I don’t know what I am to 
do with those wires, now that I have them made. 

Second Toymaker [running down and speaking before the 
Master can answer ] : 0, Master, what is it that I am to 
do with those big fan things I have just made? 

Third Toymaker [same business ]: 0, Master, where do all 

those braces go? 

Fourth Toymaker [repeats business of others] : 0, Master, 


90 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


I have cut out all those bolts and screws, but now I don’t 
know where to place them. 

Fifth Toymaker [ same business] : 0, Master, those strings 

and ropes, w r here are they to go? I have tangled them all 
up trying to get them right. 

Sixth Toymaker [ same business] : 0, Master, where do 

you mean to have that crank put? I can’t find any place 
for it. 

[All this action must be very rapid, the questions being 
put to the Master so rapidly that he has no time to answer, 
but turns from one to the other in great bewilderment, until 
the close of the Sixth Toymaker's speech.] 

Master [angrily] : Crank! Crank! How I wish I had a 
crank on every one of you. I’d turn you all out of Santa- 
Claus-Land without a minute’s notice if needed. 

Enter Christmas Fairy at left. 

Christmas Fairy [carrying open letter] : 0, I’m so glad to 

find you all here together, for I have a message from Father 
Santa. 

Master [crossly] : What now? 

Christmas Fairy: Well, you see. Father Santa said that 
Whittier had been to see him, and that there were many 
complaints about the new machine he wanted you to make. 
So he thought it might be a good plan to send you the letter 
which the little boy wrote about it. [All groan.] When 
you hear how his heart is set upon it perhaps you will feel 
differently. 

Master: No, we cannot make it, that is all there is about 
it. We are all so mixed up on it that w^e are nearly crazy. 
Tell Father Santa that if he wants it made, he’ll have to 
come here and superintend the job himself. 

Enter Other Toymakers at center. 

[They rush in through door, shouting: Look! Look! at 
that queer bird flying overhead. They run to right, others 
follow, all looking up while making the following com¬ 
ments] : 

First Toymaker : A queer bird indeed, and a big one. 

Second Toymaker : x Where do you suppose it came from ? 


DIALOGUES, PLAYS, EXERCISES 


91 


Third Toymaker: It must have strayed from Earthland. 

Fourth Toymaker: Who knows, maybe it did. But, I 
didn’t suppose they had big ones like that down there. 

Fifth Toymaker: 0, I’ve heard Father Santa say that they 
have queer things there. 

Sixth Toymaker: Yes, so have I. But I didn’t suppose 
anything from there ever could or would stray up here. 

Whittler: But see, it is slowing up now and coming a 
little lower. Give me your spyglass, Master. [He hands it, 
and Whittler uses it .] 0 ! 0 ! there is a man in it. 

Master [much excited ] : Give me the glass. [Uses it.] 
0, I see, that is one of those aeroplanes; the very thing 
that Santa has kept us puzzling over. Here, the rest of 
you take a look. [He hands it to Whittler, who after 
one quick glance passes it to another. It goes the rounds 
during the following dialogue between the Master and 
Whittler.] 

Master: What do you think about it now? 

Whittler: Just what I have thought all the while, only 
more so. 

Master: Now I begin to understand why Father Santa 
could not give us more details. He, no doubt, encoun¬ 
tered one flying along just as this one is doing, and he 
didn’t have any more chance to study it than we had, so 
what could he tell about it? 

Whittler : But, how could he ever think that we could 
make one? 

Master: I must confess I thought you fellows could get 
it right if you kept on trying long enough, but now that I 
have really seen one I know perfectly well that it can never 
be done. 

Whittler: But there is the letter from the little boy: 
what do you intend to do about that? 

Master: That does seem to complicate matters, somewhat. 

Whittler: Yes, indeed. Father'Santa will rage terribly 
when he finds he cannot give the little fellow just what he 
has asked for. 

Master : That reminds me: don’t you know he does not 
always give the children the things they want? 


92 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


Whittler: That’s true, and I've noticed, too, that when 
he does refuse he always fixes up a good excuse for the 
refusal, so the thing for us to do is just to send him word 
that the task he has set us is impossible and that he must 
take the boy something else instead of a flying machine. 

Master: Good! That’s an easy way out of it. Mortals, 
I believe, are quite accustomed to taking what they can 
get, when they can’t get what they want. 

Whittler: Yes, it seems to me that I have heard some¬ 
thing like that about them. 

First Toymaker: There, it is gone! flown away beyond 
reach even of your glass, Master. Much obliged to you. 
[Returns spy glass.] 

Master: 'Well, now, my boys, that is the sort of thing 
which Father Santa wants us to make, on a very small 
scale, of course. What do you think about it ? 

All: We can’t do it. 

First Toymaker: If Father Santa will catch a big one 
and bring it here, then I think we might make one. 

Second Toymaker : But, we must have a model. 

Master [to Fairy] : Go to Father Santa and tell him that 
he has asked of his Toymakers an utter impossibility. 

Enter Santa Claus at left. 

Santa Claus [enters, the others all crossing over toward 
him. They meet at center] : Who’s talking about impos¬ 
sibility ? There is no such word in Santa-Claus-Land. That 
word belongs to mortals; it has no place here. 

Master: But, dear Father Santa, I have found that for 
once we must use it. 

Santa Claus [angrily] : How? Why? Where? What can 
ever be impossible to these ? [Waves hands at workers.] 

Master: They have found it impossible to make one of the 
flying machines which you have ordered, unless you can 
catch one and bring it to us for a model. 

Santa Claus: Nonsense! nonsense! how do you know 
what you can do until you try? 

Master: That is just it; they have tried, over and over 
again. 

Santa Claus : If you could only see one. 


DIALOGUES, PLAYS, EXERCISES 


92 


Master : That’s just it, dear Father Santa, we have seen one. 

Santa Claus [excitedly] : Where? Where? Tell me! Tell 
me! 

Master : It flew over here not three minutes ago, and- 

Santa Claus [ striding about ] : Why in the name of all the 
birds didn’t you stop it ? 

Master : We had no means of stopping it, or it surely would 
have been done. 

Santa Claus: Harness my reindeer this minute and I’ll 
catch it. 

Christmas Fairy: You know, dear Santa, that is impos¬ 
sible. Your reindeer must soon start on their trip to 
Earthland, so you will hardly dare to send them off into 
space after this wild flying-machine. 

Santa Claus : Impossible! impossible, again ? What is 
getting into everybody, I’d like to know! But, if you have 
all seen the thing, why cannot you make one; tell me that! 

Master: Seeing it showed us how complicated a thing it 
was, and that we must thoroughly understand it before we 
can make one. 

Santa Claus [ joyfully ]: I know what I’ll do! When I 
make my trip this year to Earthland I’ll get one. I’ll just 
hitch it to the back of my sleigh and bring it home with 
me; then I shall have the maker of it, too, no doubt. Ho, 
ho, what fun! After this I’ll go riding in an aeroplane. 
No more slow reindeer for me. The world moves, and 
Santa Claus must move, too. 

Christmas Fairy: That’s all very well, dear Santa, but 
what will you do about this little boy who has ashed for a 
flying-machine? [ Waves letter .] 

Santa Claus : Um, um, that’s so! Let me see, what’s his 
name ? I didn’t look to see. 

Christmas Fairy [ turns letter over] : Peter Hardheart. 

Santa Claus: 0, yes, Peter Hardheart! I know all about 
him: he’s the boy that tortures frogs, abuses dogs and cats, 
kills caterpillars and spiders, steps on ant hills, robs the 
birds’ nests, teases little girls until they cry and pounds 
boys smaller than he is. He doesn’t deserve anything in his 



94 


THE NEW CHKISTMAS BOOK 


Christmas stocking but switches, and that is all he’ll get. 

All : Serves him right! Serves him right! Serves him right! 

Santa Claus: But, mind you, next year Santa Claus will 
go to Earth in an aeroplane. 

All : So he shall! So he shall! 

CURTAIN 

A CHRISTMAS EXERCISE 

Thos. B*. Weaver 

FOR A WHOLE SCHOOL 

This will be found an excellent program for those desiring some¬ 
thing “ ready-prepared/ ’ in which the whole school may take part. 

It is, also, well suited to Sunday school use. 

1. Song by School : the Christmas welcome [as found 

in the back of book, under Songs]. 

2. Quotation by School : Luke 2 :l-7. 

“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out 
a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should 
be taxed. And all went to be taxed, every one into his 
own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out 
of the city of Nazareth, in Judea, unto the city of David, 
which is called Bethlehem, to be taxed with Mary, his 
espoused wife. And so it was, that, while they were there, 
she brought forth her first-born son, and wrapped him in 
swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because 
there was no room for them in the inn.” 

3. Recitation by Boy: the innkeeper. 

[Boy carries a bunch of large keys.] 

The night was chill, the hour was late, 

Two weary pilgrims at the gate 

Begged me for shelter for the night; 

I saw the woman’s saintly face, 

Her husband’s kind and gentle grace, 

And over them a holy light. 

“No room! no room!” I had to say, 


DIALOGUES, PLAYS, EXERCISES 


95 


And send them from my inn away 
Unto a cave where cattle fed; 

So there where David fled from Saul, 

These saintly Pilgrims, in a stall, 

Prepared their lowly bed. 

4. Song by School : no room in the inn [words below.] 

Tune: Portuguese hymn* 

“No room in the inn,” with its folly and mirth— 

“No room in the inn,” for the Lord of the earth; 

But out in the cold with the beasts of the stall, 

“A shelter is found for the Savior of all.” 

[Repeat last line .] 

No room in the inn could the Holy Ones find, 

A manger enfolded the Lord of mankind; 

To-day we rejoice with the lowly of old 
“And offer our gifts of frankincense and gold.” 

[Repeat last line.] 

5. Quotation by School: Luke 2:8-16. 

6 . Recitations by Several Boys : the shepherds. 

[Several toys with crooics and wearing gray shawls.] 
First Shepherd: 

O’er our flocks in safety sleeping, 

Careful watch our eyes were keeping, 

Till the midnight hour drew near; 

Then the sky was quickly lightened. 

At the sight we all were frightened, 

And were overcome by fear. 

Second Shepherd: 

An angel cried, “Fear not! fear not! 

For Christ whom all the world has sought, 

In Bethlehem is born; 

Go, worship at the cattles’ stall, 

Where sleeps the infant Lord of all, 

This first, blest Christmas morn!” 


*In Fountain Song Book, No. 3, price 10 cents. 



96 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


Third Shepherd: 

And then a host sang in the sky, 

Glory, glory, to God on high! 

Good-will and peace to men. 

Let earth forget its woe and care, 

And hearts rejoice in praise and prayer 
Forever and Amen! 

Fourth Shepherd: 

In haste, the holy Babe we sought, 

Our love, the only gift we brought, 

And worshiped Christ, our King; 

So with the lowly of the earth, 

Who first adored the Savior’s birth, 

Each year His praise we sing. 

7 . Song by School: hark! what means these holy 

VOICES. 

Tune: wilmot* 

Hark! what means these holy voices, 

Sweetly sounding through the skies? 

Lo! the angelic host rejoices: 

Heavenly hallelujahs rise. 

Listen to the wond’rous story, 

Which they chant in hymns of joy; 

“Glory in the highest, glory, 

Glory be to God most high!” 

“Peace on earth, good-will from heaven,” 

Reaching far as man is -found; 

Souls redeemed, and sins forgiven, 

Loud our golden harps shall sound. 

8 . Recitation by Boys : the wise men. 

[Boys carrying gifts, to represent the Wise Men. 
They wear robes and walk dignified and slowly .] 
First Wise Man: 

Across the mountains high and grand, 

Across the desert’s burning sand, 

*In Fountain Song Book, No. 4, price 10 cents. 



DIALOGUES, PLAYS, EXERCISES 


97 


Through trackless forests, dark and wild, 

Came I to see the Holy Child. 

The world’s great wealth and boundless store, 

Of mine and mart and ocean’s shore, 

Before the lowly manger there, 

I laid my gifts in love and prayer. 

Second Wise Man: 

From distant lands of classic clime, 

Where towers lift their heads sublime. 

Where knowledge found its greatest worth, 

Came I to greet the Savior’s birth. 

The worship of the world I brought, 

Its love, its faith, its power, its thought; 

And by the lowly manger there 
I laid my gifts in love and prayer. 

Third Wise Man: 

From lands with sin and sorrow rife, 

I brought the myrrh of bitter life; 

This Holy Babe, a tiny thing, 

Must suffer much to be our King; 

The crown of thorns, the cross of shame, 

Await the hero of true fame; 

So with the gifts so rich, divine, 

I left the bitter one of mine. [All retire.'] 

9. Quotations by Pupils [rising at their desks]. 

First Pupil: 

Heap on more wood! the wind is chill! 

But let it whistle as it will, 

We’ll keep our Christmas merry still. 

—Scott 

Second Pupil: 

Shepherds at the grange, 

Where the Babe was born. 

Sang with many a change 
Christmas carols until morn; 

Let us by the fire, even higher, 

Sing till the night expire. 


—Longfellow 


98 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


Third Pupil: 

Again at Christmas did we weave 
The holly round the Christmas hearth, 

The silent snow possessed the earth. 

—Tennyson 

Fourth Pupil: 

Blow, bugles of battle, the marches of peace, 

East, west, north, and south, let the long quarrels cease 
Sing the song of great joy that angels began, 

Sing of glory to God and of good-will to man. 

—Whittier 

Fifth Pupil: 

I hold that Christian grace abounds 
Where charity is seen; that when 
We climb to heaven, ’tis on the rounds 
Of love to man. 

—Alice Cary 

Sixth Pupil: 

No trumpet blast profaned 

The hour in which the Prince of Peace was born; 
No bloody streamlet stained 

Earth’s silver rivers on that sacred morn; 

But o’er the peaceful plain 

The war-horse drew the peasant’s loaded wain. 

—Bryant 

Seventh Pupil: 

There’s a song in the air, there’s a star in the sky, 
There’s a Mother’s deep prayer and a Baby’s low cry, 
And the star rains its fire while the beautiful sing, 
And the manger at Bethlehem cradles a King. 

—Herrick 

10. Song by School: Christmas carol. 


SONGS 

MUSIC FACTS 

SANTA CLAUS 

Thos. B. Weaver 
Tune: auld lang syne 

0 Santa Claus, dear Santa Claus, 

Please listen while we sing; 

We wish to tell you, Santa Claus, 

What we would have you bring. 

We’re just as good as good can be. 
And you are just as kind, 

So you can very plainly see. 

The things we have in mind. 

You’ll find our stockings in a row: 

Some large ones and some small; 

We’ll turn the lights down rather low, 

And make no noise at all. 

If you will bring us lots of toys, 

And not a stocking miss. 

Then you may have from girls and boy 
A hug and old Dutch kiss. 

Now, if your reindeer take a fright, 

And run off with your sleigh, 

Then you may stay with us all night. 

And we can romp and play. 

We’ll let you have our goat and cart, 
When you may wish to go. 

And help you get an early start, 
Because we love you so. 

99 " 






100 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


CHRISTMAS TREE 

Thos. B. Weaver 

Tune: America 

Come, sing a song with me. 
About our Christmas tree, 

And all its toys. 

Its candles burning bright 
Send out their tiny light. 

It is a pretty sight 
For girls and boys. 

Oh! happy Christmas day. 
Brings Santa and his sleigh. 

And reindeer small. 

Come, Santa, with your pack, 
Strapped firmly on your back; 
Come down the chimney’s stack, 
And meet us all. 

The tiny, silver bells, 

Each some sweet story tells. 
Across the snow. 

A little Babe, they say, 

Was born upon the hay, 

That first, glad Christmas day 
Long, long ago. 

The birthday of this Child, 

So holy, meek, and mild. 

The star shone bright. 

Let all the children sing 
Of that small Babe, our King, 

To Him their presents bring, 
This Christmas night. 


SONGS, MUSIC, FACTS 1Q1 

SONG OF GLADNESS 

Thos. B. Weaver 

Tune: annie laurie 

Let us sing a song of gladness. 

From grateful hearts and true. 

Forgetting all our sadness, 

Though clouds obscure the blue. 

Let us sing a song of cheer, 

With a merry, gladsome ring, 

Help the world to lift its praises. 

To Christ, our Lord and King. 

Once in a manger lowly. 

The first glad Christmas morn, 

A little Babe so holy. 

Upon the hay was born. 

O’er old Judea’s plains 
Angels chanted in the sky, 

And the shepherds heard the anthem 
Of praise to God most high. 

Far from the East, three strangers. 

Led by a star, their way 
Kept safely through. great dangers, 

Found where the Infant lay; 

They worshiped at the stall, 

As the world’s most precious shrine; 

And the star shone in its glory. 

Above the Babe divine. 

Bing out the bells of glory, 

Bing out across the snow; 

And send the sweetest story 
To all the world below. 

Let earth and heaven sing, 

“Peace on earth, good-will to men; 

Glory in the highest, glory. 

Forever and amen!” 


102 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


The Christmas bells are chiming, 

In music sweet and low; 

And children’s voices rhyming, 

Come stealing o’er the snow. 

Let us share our richest store 

With the warmest, gladsome cheer, 
Wishing all a merry Christmas 
And a happy, glad New Year. 


CHRISTMAS BELLS 

Tune: hold the fort 
[Repeat chorus after each verse.] 

Loud the Christmas bells are ringing, 
And the drifting snow 

Lies in wreaths of pearly whiteness 
O’er the world below. 

Chorus: 

Heard ye not the wondrous story, 

Told of One on high, 

One whose coming. One whose glory 
Nevermore shall die? 

Ring ye bells, from out the steeple, 
Sound a joyous lay; 

Telling unto all the people, 

“Christ is born to-day.” 

Far away in Bethlehem watching, 

O’er a manger low, 

Angels chanted sweet the tidings, 

In the “Long Ago.” 

“Peace on earth ” the hills reechoed 
To the glad refrain; 

And the Christmas bells’ loud pealing, 
Breathe the words again. 


SONGS, MUSIC, FACTS 


103 


Christmas brings a flood of gladness. 
So rejoice who may 
In His love, whose birth hath given, 
This glad Christmas day. 


0 SANTA CLAUS! 

Thos. B. Weaver 

Tune: Maryland! my Maryland! 

0 Santa Claus! dear Santa Claus! 
The children love you, just because—• 
You needn’t ask the reason why, 

For Christmas day is drawing nigh; 

We know you are so good and kind, 

Just what we want you always find, 

For children who are good to mind; 

0 Santa Claus! dear Santa Claus! 

0 Santa Claus! dear Santa Claus! 

The children watch for you because 
You seem to be so very shy, 

We’d like to know the reason why; 

Did you tell ma, one Christmas da}'. 
That it was wrong to romp and play— 
’Twould make your reindeer run away ? 
0 Santa Claus! dear Santa Claus! 

0 Santa Claus! dear Santa Claus! 

The children wait for you, because— 
Put lots of nice things in your pack, 

And strap it firmly on your back; 

Come down the chimney, dark and tall. 
With lots of presents for us all; 

We’ll gladly catch you if you fall, 

0 Santa Claus! dear Santa Claus! 


104 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


0 Santa Claus! dear Santa Claus ? 

The children talk of you, because— 

Of all the pretty toys you bring 
The children often gladly sing; 

Put up your reindeer and your sleigh, 

So, when you come, let’s romp and play, 
And let us have a jolly day; 

0 Santa Claus! dear Santa Claus! 

THE BABE DIVINE 

Thos. B. Weaver 
Tune: duke street* 

To-day we coronate our King, 

Let each a loving tribute bring; 

In Bethlehem, the Babe divine. 

We venerate, your Lord and mine. 

’Twas midnight on Judea’s hill, 

The busy world, in sleep, was still; 

And shepherds watched their flocks of sheep. 
Above the valley’s shadows deep. 

When from the starry dome, on high, 

Angelic music fills the sky, 

Great fear comes down upon them all. 

And to the earth the shepherds fall. 

But when the gentle words, fear not , 

Their frightened hearts in rapture caught. 
They listened to this holy song, 

As sung by heaven’s angel throng: 

Glory to God, let all nations sing, 

Jesus is born, our Lord and King; 

Peace he on earth, good-will to men, 

Now, and forever, and amen! 

*In High School Glee and Chorus Book, price 50 cents, 
found in every standard hymnal. 


Also 



SONGS, MUSIC, FACTS 


105 


MERRY, MERRY CHRISTMAS 

Thos. B. Weaver 

Tune: battle hymn of the republic 

Let us sing a merry carol for the happy Christmas time, 
Join the chorus of the angels which they sang in notes sublime, 
Let bells ring out their praises in their sweetest, holy rhyme, 
On this glad Christmas day. 


Chorus: 

Merry, merry, merry Christmas! 
Merry, merry, merry Christmas ! 
Merry, merry, merry Christmas ! 
Let all the people sing. 


To-day we sing the story of the Babe of Bethlehem, 

And with the wondTing shepherds we bow down as one of 
them— 

Again, behold the glory of His kingly diadem, 

On this glad Christmas day. 

Chorus 


May all our gifts be blessings of the holy Christmas tide, 

In honor of the Savior who for all of us had died; 

And may his benedictions on our gifts to-day abide, 

On this glad Christmas day. 

Chorus 

For the sake of that compassion which was seen on Calvary, 
Let us strive to shield the needy from the blows of poverty, 
And let us crown our praises with the deeds of charity, 

On this glad Christmas day. 


Chorus 


106 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


THE CHRISTMAS WELCOME 

Tune: tramp! tramp! tramp! 

When the summer time is passed and the harvest housed at 
last, 

And the woods are standing bare and brown and sere, 

When the frost is sharp at night, and the days are short and 
bright. 

Comes the gladdest, merriest time of all the year. 

Chorus: 

Shout, boys, shout the hearty welcome! 

Greet old Christmas with a roar! 

He has met us with good cheer for this many a merry year, 
And we hope he’ll meet us all for many more. 

Then away with every cloud that our pleasure might enshroud, 
And away with every word and look unkind; 

Let old quarrels all be healed and old friendships closer sealed, 
And our lives with sweeter, purer ties entwined. 

Chorus 

Since we know the blessed power of this happy Christmas hour, 
We will keep its holy spell upon our heart, 

That each evil thing within that would tempt us into sin 
May forever from our peaceful souls depart. 

Chorus 


BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS TIME 

Tune: hail, Columbia! 

Beautiful this, our Christmas time, 
Beautiful bells with silv’ry chime, 
Beautiful words are these we say, 
Beautiful words are these we say,— 
Jesus our King is born to-day, 

Jesus our King is horn. 


SONGS, MUSIC, FACTS 

Beautiful angels came of old, 

Sang to the shepherds near their fold; 
Beautiful story told to them, 

Beautiful story told to them,— 

Jesus is born in Bethlehem, 

Is born in Bethlehem. 

Beautiful songs they sing to-day, 

Sweeter by far than earthly lay; 

Join in the chorus, all who sing, 

Join in the chorus, all who sing,— 

Joy to the world, our Lord is King, 

Joy, our Lord is King! 

WELCOME, GLAD CHRISTMAS TIME 

Tune : America 
Welcome, glad Christmas time, 

Season of joy sublime, 

When Christ was born; 

Let “peace on earth” hold sway, 

Drive care and grief away, 

This happy, happy day, 

When Christ was born. 

The children gladly sing 
Praise to the heavenly King, 

On Christmas morn; 

Glad day for great and small, 

Brings happiness to all, 

Send forth the joyous call, 

On Christmas morn. 

Our heavenly Father, Thee, 

We sing most thankfully, 

This Christmas morn; 

May peace and all good-will 
Each heart this glad day fill, 

Thy gentle love instill, 

This Christmas morn. 


THE SANTA CLAUS SONG AND GAME 



Lively 

Chorus. 


Words and Music by Alys E. Bentley* 




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* Director of Music in the Schools of Washington, D. C., and author of The Song 
Primer, published by the A. S. Barnes Company. 

108 














































































SONGS, MUSIC, FACTS 


109 


USES OF THE SANTA CLAUS SONG 

Alys E. Bentley 

The Santa Clans Song, on the opposite page, may be nsed in a 
variety of ways. It may be used just as a song, and sung with 
the real Christmas joy, in the jollity and fun of the Yule-tide. 

Different pupils may be selected to express the different 
wishes, each singing his solo phrase “I want a bat,” or “I 
want a book,” the entire school coming in with the chorus 
“And down he comes, etc.” 

From this to the dramatic representation the step is very 
simple. If you leave them alone, the children will, of them¬ 
selves, suggest the form of the play, and will carry it out. I 
can hear them now: “I want to be Santa Claus!” “Let’s 
have this for the chimney, etc.” 

Of course, Santa Claus must retire from view into the cor¬ 
ridor, or behind the bookcase, or into some convenient closet, 
from which retreat his “Ho! Ho! Ho! Ho!” will be heard 
in response to the excited chorus, “Who is chuckling, who is 
shouting ?” 

As each child sings his wish, he will run to the chimney 
and shout it up the chimney’s mouth. After the solo, “I 
want a doll with ribbons in her hair,” the entire group of 
players will join hands, and dancing round the chimney, sing, 
“I want,” to which Santa Claus will respond with a distant 
“Ho ! Ho !” and a nearer “He ! He! Look out below, look out 
for me,” as he bursts into the room from his place of con¬ 
cealment, the entire chorus singing, “And down he comes all 
dressed with holly, Santa Claus so big and jolly.” 

There may be as much in the way of scenery and costumes 
as the ingenuity of the teacher and her class may suggest. In 
a class of very young children it will be interesting to see how 
much individuality and dramatic power the children them¬ 
selves will exhibit. If encouraged to play the game spon¬ 
taneously and freely, they will suggest many variations in the 
action and the setting. 


— Teachers* Magazine 


TELLING SANTA 

Solo for a Little Girl Words and Music ^ T ' B ‘ Weaver 


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111 


















































































































BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS EVE 


Words and Music by T. B. Weaver 




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GLAD CHRISTMAS BELLS 


Words and Music by T. B. Weaver 



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Glad Christmas Bells—Concluded 




Glad bells of Christmas, ring on I ring on ! 

Sweet bells of Christmas, ring on! ring on! 

Dear bells of Christmas, ring on! ring on! 

Joy-bells of Christmas, ring on! ring on! 



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115 































































































































CHRISTMAS OF TWO 




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Christmas of Two—Continued 


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San - ta is com-ing, stock-ings are hung; She 
When she brought home char - i - ty’s mite. She 


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Christmas of Two—Concluded 


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SONGS, MUSIC, FACTS 


119 


INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT CHRISTMAS 

Abridged and adapted from The Ladies Home Journal 

The Word Christmas 

The word Christmas is derived from “Christ” and the Saxon 
word “Moesse,” signifying the mass and a feast. 

The Meaning of Kris Kringle 

Kris Kringle is a corruption of the German name “Krist- 
kindlein,” meaning Christ-child. It is not the same as Santa 
Claus, therefore, the latter being a name for St. Nicholas. 
In the matter of distributing Christmas gifts, however, they 
are the same. 


Santa’s First Visit to America 

The first Christmas visit of Santa Claus in America is be¬ 
lieved to have occurred at New Amsterdam. At any rate, it is 
certain that Santa Claus was introduced by the early Dutch 
settlers of New York. 

Different Kinds of Christmas Trees 

The fir, the pine, the hemlock and the spruce seem to be used 
in all lands as Christmas trees. Owing to the time of year 
an evergreen tree must be used in the cold countries, and the 
custom appears to be followed wherever Christmas trees are 
used. 


Various Dates for Christmas 

December 25 is the commonly accepted date of Christ’s birth 
now, but others which were accepted by small minorities, and 
afterward discarded were January 6, April 20, May 20, March 
29 and September 29. Authorities have never agreed as to 
the year. Idler computed it December, B. C. 7; Petavius 
and Usher, December 25, B. C. 5; Bengel, December 25, 
B. C. 4; Anger and Winer, March, B. C. 4; Scaliger, October, 
B. C. 3; Saint Jerome, December 25, B. C. 3, and Eusebius, 
January 6, B. C. 2. 


120 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


Mistletoe and the Crucifixion 

It is sometimes asked if the mistletoe has any connection 
with the birth of Christ. It has no connection. An old 
Celtic legend relates that the mistletoe was once a tree, but, 
having furnished the wood for the Savior’s cross, it was thence¬ 
forth condemned to exist as a parasite. 

It is interesting to note in this connection that mistletoe 
was once forbidden in England as a church decoration. As 
one authority puts it: “Mistletoe was abandoned in the 
Christmas decking of churches, together with kissing at the 
services, because both were found to set the young ladies and 
the young gentlemen a-reading of the marriage service.” 

Turkey in Our Country: Beef in England 

Beef is the Christmas meat of the English. It is the out¬ 
growth of an ancient Druid ceremony. When the Druids 
gathered the mistletoe from the sacred oak each winter two 
white bulls were sacrificed. The beef, which is the British 
Christmas meat, was originally eaten as a reminder of this 
sacrifice, but of course this significance died out hundreds of 
years ago. 

Origin of the Christmas Tree 

The origin of the Christmas tree is not known. It may have 
some connection with the great tree Yggdrasil of Scandi¬ 
navian mythology, or it may be a survival of the pine trees 
of the Roman Saturnalia, which were decorated with images 
of Bacchus. The custom may be of even greater antiquity, 
as the ancient Egyptians decorated their houses at the winter 
festival with branches of the date-palm, which they regarded 
as a symbol both of immortality and of the heavens. In 
mediaeval times there was a tradition of holiness investing an 
illuminated tree. As a regular institution, the Christmas tree 
can be traced back to about 1600, when it suddenly appeared 
at Strasburg, Germany. For almost two hundred years it 
was continued along the Rhine, when about 1800 it suddenly 
spread all over Germany and in a few years was used all over 
the world. Scandinavian, French and German legends at¬ 
tribute the origin of the Christmas tree to various noted 
persons. 


SONGS, MUSIC, FACTS 


121 


Christmas in New England 

The celebration of Christmas is comparatively recent in New 
England. The Puritans looked upon the celebration as pagan. 
Then, too, it was a festival of the Roman Catholic Church, to 
which the Puritans were bitterly opposed. In 1621 Governor 
Bradford punished some young men for not working on Christ¬ 
mas, and in 1659 the General Court of Massachusetts forbade 
any observance of the day. This was repealed in 1681, but 
the old Puritans bitterly fought the repeal and their protest 
continued until the early years of the nineteenth century. 
Although the celebration of Christmas became general in New 
England long before, many of the old Puritans refused to 
have anything to do with the festivities and would not allow 
their families to participate. Early in the nineteenth cen¬ 
tury, however, the last traces of this opposition vanished. 

Christmas in the South 

Christmas down South begins much like Fourth of July up 
North. It starts at midnight, or even before; and all day 
long firecrackers are going off in the streets of every city, 
town, and village of the South, from Virginia to Louisiana. 
Brass bands add to the jollity, while to see companies of sol¬ 
diers parade up and down the street is not an unusual sight. 
Otherwise, except for the jingle of sleigh-bells and the pres¬ 
ence of Jack Frost, a Christmas in the South is not unlike 
that in the North. 


Saint Nicholas 

Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of children, poor maidens, 
sailors and travelers, and his popularity knows no bounds. 
He is the chief patron saint of Russia. Very few historical 
facts appear in connection with him. This leaves a wide 
scope for the imagination to play. 

The legend has it that he was the son of very wealthy 
parents and from whom he inherited great riches. They 
were very proud of him, and he gave them great happiness 
by his acts of loving kindness. In some way Saint Nicholas 
had the power of knowing where were those who deserved 


122 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


help, and when he found them he was delighted to bestow 
upon them his gifts. 

The story is told of a certain nobleman of Panthera who 
had at one time been possessed of great wealth, but he had 
misfortune and had become so poor that his three beautiful 
daughters were about to go to the streets to beg for food. 

Saint Nicholas had determined to help this family, and he 
was very much perplexed how to give the relief so that he 
would not be known. He chose a very dark night, and went 
to the home of the nobleman. As he looked about he saw a 
small window opened through which he dropped the purse 
filled with three golden apples. The gift was so timely that 
it saved the daughters from disgrace and also gave them a 
dowry. Presently they were happily married. 

When the nobleman finally found that the giver was Saint 
Nicholas, he said, “0 Nicholas, Servant of God! Why do 
you seek to hide thyself !” 

Nicholas smiled upon him and together they rejoiced. 
The nobleman was pleased to know that the giver was good 
Saint Nicholas, and Saint Nicholas was happy to give in 
order that the nobleman and his daughters might be relieved 
of their heavy burden of poverty. 

Saint Nicholas demanded that the secret should be kept 
and the nobleman told no man. 

So from this Pagan story we are told lies the origin of 
our Christian celebration of an unknown giver and a happy 
and grateful recipient. The secret way in which the gift 
was given is still thought to be a most beautiful way. 

Saint Nicholas* birthday is December 16th. 


Drills 

PantomimfsIableaux' 


SANTA CLAUS DRILL 

■Marie Irish 

FOR FIVE BOYS OF THE PRIMARY GRADES 
COSTUMES 

North American Santa Claus: Bright red cap, dark coat that 
comes about to knees, trimmed with strip of red down front and 
around bottom, red sash around waist, red leggings (ca» be made of 
red cloth like coat is trimmed with) 
and white whiskers—of rope or paper 
cut very fine. Should have coat stuffed 
in front to give fat appearance. 

South American: White hair and 
whiskers, a large felt hat turned up at 
one side and ornamented with long 
plume of bright tissue paper, bright 
stockings, slippers, bright sash around 
waist, tied at side, knee trousers with 
bright trimming down outside seams, 
and a cape that comes to waist or 
little below. 

African: Face and hands blacked 
with burnt cork, wig made by sewing 
curled hair onto a circular piece of 
black cloth and drawing up with elas¬ 
tic cord, a large light-colored straw 
hat, a white jacket (a barber’s jacket 
can be borrowed and stuffed where too 
large), light trousers and no stock¬ 
ings, sandals or slippers. Carry large 
fan. 



123 



124 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


Asiatic Santa: White cloth wound around head for a turban, 
white hair and whiskers, no stockings, sandals or slippers, a sheet 
draped on for a robe, tied around waist with yellow sash. 

European: Same as North American, except the trimming is 
blue instead of red. 

Music: Can be given with or without march music. 

North American Santa comes on alone at left corner of back, 
passes down left side, across front of stage, up right side, 
across to center of back, down center to front, where he stops 
and looks around, then goes over to right corner of front and 
looks off at side, shading his eyes with hand, then goes across 
to left corner and gazes off that side and comes back to center 
of front. Here he pulls out a large watch and looks at, then 
says: 

I’m expecting some friends here to meet' me— 

Where in the world can the slow fellows be? 

The Asiatic and African Santas now enter at left corner of 
front walking single file, come to center, bow very low to 
North American, then pass behind him and stand in line on 
other side. European and South American then come on at 
right corner of front, bow as the others did, pass behind the 
other three and form in line at left side, thus making a line 
of five abreast. 

North American Santa [says]: 

Well, ’tis time you came; you’d feel pretty bad 
If you kept me waiting till I got mad. 

All [in concert ] : 

We are the Santas who bring Christmas toys, 

And all sorts of things to good girls and boys. 

North American: 

What? Did you think one Santa could do 
All the Christmas work and ever get through ? , 

African [points to North American Santa] : 

He’s the boss and we carry out his plans; 

I’m from Africa, where folks carry fans. 

[ Fans himself vigorously.] 


DEILLS, PANTOMIMES, TABLEAUX 


125 


South American: 

Down in South America is where I live, 

And children like well the presents I give. 

European : 

In Europe to visit the Russian and Swede, 

And all of the rest, keeps me busy indeed. 

Asiatic : 

I am from Asia, where boys and girls, I fear, 

Don’t think as much of Santa Claus as you do here. 

[Wipes eyes on corner of sheet.] 

North American: 

The United States children just love me; 

They think I’m the nicest fellow they ever did see! 

[Laughs.] 

North American Santa Claus leads up center of stage, two 
from the right follow, then two from left, march single file, 
to center of back, across to right corner of back, diagonal line 
to center of front, then in diagonal line to left corner of back 
and form in line, five abreast, across back of stage. Here they 
speak: 

All [waving hands] : 

Five jolly old Santas are we, ho, ho! 

We’ve gifts for good children, but for bad ones— no! 

[Stamp foot and slay hands together.] 

European [speaks as all march to front, five abreast] : 

With our load of toys we come Christmas eve, 

And children are happy, you better believe. 

[Halt at front.] 

African : 

We tip-toe so still we ne’er make a sound 
And nobody guesses when we are around. 

[As he finishes speaking all turn to right ana march around 
in a small circle, on tip-toe, very softly, and come back to 
places.] 


126 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


South American: 

We listen perchance some watchers to hear, 

[All put hand to ear, listening .] 
And carefully look to be sure no one’s near. 

[All look around very cautiously.] 

Asiatic Santa: 

Then to the stockings, fill them up good and tight. 

Wish the folks “Merry Christmas” and vanish from sight. 
[All bow and wave right hand at children, then turn to 
left, pass quickly to left corner, up left side, across back of 
stage, and off, marchina with long strides, on tip-toe .] 


CHRISTMAS BELLS 

Marie Irish 

FOR EIGHT, TWELVE OR SIXTEEN GIRLS OF THE PRIMARY 

GRADES 

COSTUMES 

Dress in white and tie the hair with red ribbons. Buy the fancy 
red paper bells used for Christmas decoration or cut bells about 
12 inches long from red cardboard. Get red cheese cloth, allowing 
a strip about one-fourth of a yard wide to each girl and long enough 
to fasten in middle at center of the breast and reach just past the 
finger tips of each hand. Shir this strip up to about three inches 
wide in the center and fasten one bell on at the shirring; then shir 
the ends up to three-inch width and fasten a bell at either end. Pin 
the bell fastened at center of strip at the center of the breast, and 
hold an end of the strip just above other bells in either hand. 

Music: A march. 

Girls enter in two files, one at either corner of back of stage, 
and march to center of back, where first girl from the left 
steps in line behind first girl on right, second girl from left 
steps behind second girl from right, etc., thus forming a 
single file down center of stage. At center of front of stage 
first girl turns to right, second to left, third to right, etc.; pass 
to corners and up sides of stage, meeting at center of back, 
where they form couples and march down the center of stage. 
As the girls come onto stage they let hands hang at arm’s 


DRILLS, PANTOMIMES, TABLEAUX 


127 


length at sides, but as they come down center each one raises 
her hands, arm s length, and holds bells up obliquely from 
shoulders. As they come down center in couples each couple 
joins inside hands as they raise bells—that is, hold hands so 
they touch. At the center of front first couple goes to right, 
second to left, third to right, etc., pass to corners, up sides 
of stage, meet at center of back and form fours. As they 
march down the center to front in fours those on first line 
hold hands out, arm’s length, straight out from shoulders to 
the sides. If only eight take part those of second line hold 
bells up arm’s length, obliquely from shoulders, but if twelve 
take part those of second line hold bells out at sides about 
level with top of head, while the last line [or last two lines 
if sixteen take part] hold bells up high. As they reach front 
of stage the girls who were leaders on entering at beginning 
of march lead again, one going to right corner of front and 
other to left corner of front. The other girls follow on same 
leader’s line and in same order as when entering. Files march 
as shown in diagram No. 1. In crossing at center of stage 
first girl from the right goes in front of first girl from the 
left, second girl from right in front of second girl from 
left, etc. 


RIGHT 



LEFT 


FRONT—DIAGRAM NO. 1 


As lines come to center of sides those from left pass across 
to center of right side and down to corner of front, while those 



128 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


from right pass across to center of left side and down to left 
corner of front. During this march and that in diagram No. 1 
the girls march with hands hanging at sides. As they come 
to center of front they take positions to form a bell, leader of 
line from the right taking the position of No. 1, the girls on 
her line taking places on right half of bell; the girls from 
other line take positions on left side of bell, the leader* taking 
place No. 5. If more than eight take part in the drill, keep 
same shape of bell, but fill in extra ones on the sides and 
along the front. As they form the bell each girl faces front 
of stage. Take positions according to diagram No. 2. 



When all are in place the girl in position No. 1 asks: 
What is the music that I hear, 

Pealing forth so sweet and clear? 


Other Girls [in concert, raising bells and waving hands from 
side to side as if ringing bells ] : 

? Tis the ringing of the bells you hear, 

Pealing forth their notes of merry cheer. 

[Drop hands at sides.] 

No. 1: 


Can you tell me the reason why they 

Are ringing and ringing in such merry way? 





DRILLS, PANTOMIMES, TABLEAUX 


129 


Other Girls [raising hands and ringing bells as before ] : 
They are ringing for the Christmas day. 

When cheer abounds and joy holds sway. 

- [Drop hands.] 

No. 1: 

And what is the message that they bring 
. As thus so joyously they ring? 

Other Girls [ringing bells as before ] : 

These words they ring again and again, 

“Peace on earth, good-will to men.” 

[Drop hands at sides.] 

A chorus of voices now sings the following stanza and the 
girls hold bells as described below. If given at school the 
stanza can be sung by all other pupils, sitting in their seats, 
or can be sung by chorus back of scenes. 

Tune: work, for the night is coming* 

Sweetly the bells of Christmas 
Extend hands out, arm’s length, at either side of body, on 
line with the shoulders. 

Bing forth their notes of cheer, 

Bring hands together until they almost touch out in front of 
body, then move back to position out at sides. 

Bidding us all be merry. 

Incline head forward, bring hands up out in front of and 
above top of head, the arms curved, hands almost meeting, 
bells side by side, face smiling and peeping through circle 
formed by arms. 

Christmas day is near. 

Place one hand in front of either shoulder so it brings the 
three bells in a group together. 

Let ev’ry heart be joyful, 

Hands extended out, arm’s length, toward the audience. 

* In Fountain Song Book, No. 4, price 10 cents. 



130 


THE NEW CHEISTMAS BOOK 


Drive care and sorrow 'way; 

With a quick motion move both hands over so as to point off 
at right of stage. . 

While merry hells are ringing 
Raise hands above head and wave as if ringing bells. 

Keep the Christmas day. 

Step forward with right foot, hold bells up and out toward 
front of stage, body inclined forward, face smiling. 

No. 1 now leads up center of stage, others form in line, 
single file; pass to center of back and then olf stage. 


CHRISTMAS STAR DRILL AND SONG 

Marie Irish 

FOR TEN GIRLS OF THE INTERMEDIATE GRADES 
COSTUMES 

White dresses, green cheese cloth sashes, tied at side, white crowns 
with gilt star in center. Each girl carries a wand wound with green 
cheese cloth, on the end of which is a gilt star at least ten inches 
across. Star must be covered with gilt on both sides. Instead of stars 
being fastened to end of wand each one is fastened to a piece of 
heavy wire and the wire fastened to end of wand and in this way the 
stars move slightly as they are carried. 

Music: A march with well-marked four-four time. 

Enter in two files, five girls in each, one at back and other at 
front corner of right side of stage. File at the back marches 
to center of back, in diagonal line to center of left side, then 
in a diagonal line to center of front, while the file entering at 
front goes to center of front, in diagonal line to center of 
right side, then in diagonal line to center of back of stage. 
One file is now at center of back—or rather the leader is— 
while leader of other file is at center of front. Lines pass to 
center and halt, forming couples, standing about two feet 


DRILLS, PANTOMIMES, TABLEAUX 


131 


apart, one of each couple facing the back of stage and other 
the front. As they halt they raise wands and the two of each 
couple cross them and hold during several measures of music. 
For signals it is well for the teacher—or whoever drills the 
girls—to give two claps with the hands, just loud enough 
for them to hear. The first clap is “attention,” and on the 
second, which follows in a few seconds, all turn for next 
movement. At a signal, lines turn so as to face each other 
and each couple holds wands so they are rather close together 
and vertical. Girls nearest back of stage hold wands high 
and each preceding couple holds them a little lower so that 
all the stars show. At a signal, those on right-hand line (as 
they face audience) move ahead and face right side of stage, 
while others face left side. Those facing right hold their 
stars up toward right side of stage and the others hold them 
raised toward left side, standing thus: 


RIGHT 



LEFT 


At a signal, still standing as shown in diagram, those on 
the left turn so as to face the right and all hold wands raised 
with stars pointing up to right side of stage. Then at a 
signal both lines turn to face left side of stage and stand 
with wands raised and pointing to the left. At signal all 
now face front of stage and the girl at front of left line 
leads girls of that line, passing in and out among girls of 
right-hand line, and bringing her line back to place, thus: 



132 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


RIGHT 



LEFT 


FRONT 


When left line has reached places the girl at front of right 
line leads her file the same way, in and out left line, and back 
to places. Then each girl on the left line steps in behind 
corresponding girl on other line so as to form a single file 
down center of stage. They pass in single file to right corner 
of front, up right side, across to center of back and then 
stand to form a five-point star, thus: 



LEFT 


RIGHT 


FRO^T 


When they have taken places in the star the music changes 
to song, and they sing the words as given on the following 
page, meanwhile continuing the drills as indicated. 




DRILLS, PANTOMIMES, TABLEAUX 


133 


Tune: my bonnie is over the ocean* 

1. The glad bells of Christmas are ringing, 

. As stars shed their light from on high, 

[All raise wands, holding stars up high.] 

And as they once shone on Judea, 

They still keep their watch in the sky. 

Chorus: 

Shining, shining, 

[Each girl holds wand up and out to left side of stage.] 
Twinkling and shining on high; 

[Hold wand out at right side of stage.] 

Shining, shining, 

[All step forward with right foot*and hold wands up and out 
toward front of stage.] 

Smiling on us from the sky. 

[Bring right foot hack to position and holding wand so star 
comes up above head , each girl looks up directly at star.] 

At the beginning of the second stanza the five girls nearest 
front of stage kneel and the other five stand behind them 
with wands raised and held out toward front of stage. Those 
who kneel bow heads and look down in fright, hands at sides, 
stars resting on floor. All take position as shown in diagram. 


RIGHT 



LEFT 


In Pat’s Pick, price 50 cents. 




134 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


They keep these positions while singing second stanza, then 
at close those kneeling rise and all step back to positions in 
star and give the chorus as before. 

2. The shepherds were filled with amazement, 

And bowed in great fright on the hill, 

And stars shone as angels appearing 

Sang songs of sweet peace and good-will. 

As they begin the third stanza the girls form in a circle 
and each one rests her left hand upon the right shoulder of 
the girl at her left, the stars held down at sides. At begin¬ 
ning of third line stars are held over hearts and at beginning 
of the las' line each girl raises her star, holding it up high. 

3. To-day as the spirit of Christmas 

Encircles the world with its love, 

And brightens each heart with its message, 

The stars still keep watch from above. 

For the last chorus form in two lines, five on a line, and 
give the movements same as before. Then holding wands up 
with stars raised high, march down to front of stage five 
abreast, march music having been resumed. At front of stage 
those on first line turn to right and pass to right corner of 
front and up right side, while others turn to left and pass up 
left side. Meet at center of back and come down center of 
stage in couples, each couple with stars raised and wands 
crossed. At front turn to right and pass from stage. 

Note: It usually is a good plan to make a chalk mark where each 
one is to stand in making the star, then the girls take their places 
easily and without the effort of looking around at the others to see 
if they are right distance apart, etc. 

HOLLY DRILL 

Marie Irish 

FOR TWELVE GIRLS OF THE INTERMEDIATE OR GRAMMAR GRADES 
COSTUMES 

White dresses trimmed with green. If it can be secured get the 
green paper ropes sold at Christmas time for festoons and sew a row 
of it around each skirt several inches from the bottom and put it 
around the sleeves. Or else get green crepe paper and sew on a band 
of it, stretching out the lower edge to make it ruffle. Wear a bunch 


DRILLS, PANTOMIMES, TABLEAUX 


135 


-of holly in the hair and each girl carries a wreath made of holly. In 
making wreaths cut a good pasteboard foundation and cover each side 
with green paper, then sew holly onto each side of the pasteboard 
so each side of the wreath will be pretty. By covering with green 
paper or green cloth first, less holly need be used. 

Music: A good march. 

Girls enter in single file at back of stage, each carrying her 
wreath in the right hand, letting upper edge of wreath rest 
against the left shoulder. Pass to center of back and from 
there march as in diagram No. 1. As the line crosses at 
center of stage No. 1 goes in front of No. 7, No. 2 in front 
of No. 8, etc. 


RIGHT 



As the leader comes again to center of back she leads the 
line so as to form a circle at center of stage and all halt, 
facing in. Then every other one in the circle steps forward 
and these form a second circle inside of the first, as shown 
in diagram No. 2. 

When all are in position in two circles each girl raises her 
wreath, holding it up obliquely from right shoulder, and those 
on inside pass twice around in a circle, rotating from right 
to left while those on outside circle pass around twice, rotating 
from left to right. Those on inner circle having smaller 
circle to march around must take shorter steps than those on 
outside. As the circles revolve the girls raise wreaths and 
hold them above heads with right hands. When they have 



136 


THE NEW CHEISTMAS BOOK 


RIGHT 



LEFT 


FRONT—DIAGRAM NO. 2 


passed around in circle twice all halt, and those on inner 
circle pass in and out around larger circle until each girl is 
standing in her place again in large circle,—that is, the last 
girl on the line will only pass behind the girl marked “A” 
and stop beside her; the next to last girl will pass back of 
“A” and in front of next girl and stop beside her. When 
all are in position in large circle, wreaths held down at right 
side, all turn around and face out. The girls who remained 
in outer circle when two circles were formed now step forward 
with the left foot and kneel upon the right knee, holding 
wreaths with both hands out in front of body. The girls 
who remain standing hold their wreaths above heads of those 
kneeling. For marching in and out use diagram No. 3 and 
for kneeling use diagram No. 4. 


RIGHT 



LEFT 


FRONT—DIAGRAM NO. 3 




DRILLS, PANTOMIMES, TABLEAUX 


137 



FRONT—DIAGRAM NO. 4 


LEFT 


The straight marks out from dots in diagram 4 indicate di¬ 
rection in which girls who are standing hold wreaths. At a 
signal those who are kneeling rise and, turning, face in; and 
those who were standing kneel on right knee, holding wreaths 
in front of them while the girls standing hold wreaths over 
the heads of the others. At a signal those who are kneeling 
rise, all step into circle in original places and hold wreaths 
against left shoulder as on entering. Girl who led in forming 
large circle again leads to center of back of stage, across to 
left corner, the other girls following in original order in single 
file, down to center of front in diagonal line, then to right 
corner of back in diagonal line, and all form in line across 
back of stage, twelve abreast. When in position all raise 
wreaths with right hand, holding them up and out obliquely 
to the right, step forward with the right foot, body inclined 
forward, and hold that position long enough to count twelve. 
Then bring wreath down to center of breast and hold it with 
both hands, step forward with left foot, body inclined for¬ 
ward, and hold that position long enough to count twelve. 
Next raise wreath in left hand, holding it up and out 
obliquely to the left, step forward with right foot and hol<3 
position as before. Then raise wreath, holding it with both 
hands above top of head, step forward with left foot and 
hold position, and lastly step forward with right foot, holding 
wreath with both hands in front of face, body inclined for- 



138 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


ward and face looking through wreath. In taking the five 
steps forward try to take steps of such length as will bring 
the line from the back up to front of stage so that as they 
step forward the last time the line will be at—or near—the 
front. Practice until the stepping forward and the accom¬ 
panying movements can be made together with clock-like regu¬ 
larity and precision. 



The four girls nearest the left of stage stand up together 
and form a circle, facing in, standing quite close together, 
each girl holding her wreath in right hand and placing left 
hand upon shoulder of girl at her left. The four girls next 
in line form a circle in same way at the center of front of 



FRONT—DIAGRAM NO. 6 





DRILLS, PANTOMIMES, TABLEAUX 


139 


stage and the other four form a circle at right side. The 
circles stand as shown in diagram No. 5. When all are in 
places those in circle at left raise wreaths, holding them up 
with right hands, keep same position, and all move slowly 
as shown in diagram 5, and come back to places, dropping 
wreaths down to side as they halt again. 

Then those in circle at right of stage move as shown in 
diagram No. 6, holding wreaths up with right hands as they 
march, and return to places. 

Next the circle at center raises wreaths and passes accord¬ 
ing to diagram No. 7. 



The girl who was original leader of the line, being at left 
side of stage, now leads up left side of stage, each girl fall¬ 
ing into the file in her original place in line. March up to 
left corner of back, across back of stage, holding wreaths 
against left shoulders with right hands. Pass down to center 
of right side, then march across stage to center of left side, 
where the leader halts, and they form a line, twelve abreast, 
across stage. Face front of stage. Beginning with the leader 
at left side, let each girl take her number in order, 1, 2, 3, 
4, etc. Then one at a time steps forward and takes place 
shown by her number in diagram No. 8. They go out in fol¬ 
lowing order—6, 7, 5, 8, 4, 9, 3, 10, 2, 11, 1, 12. 



140 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


RIGHT 



No. 6 kneels and holds wreath with both hands in front of 
breast. No. 7 stands just back of No. 6 and holds her wreath 
just above head of No. 6. No. 5 stands back of No. 7, holding 
her wreath just above No. 7’s head. No. 8 stands back of No. 
5 and holds her wreath with both hands straight up above 
her own head. Nos. 4 and 9 kneel and hold wreaths as No. 6 
does. Nos. 3 and 10 stand and hold wreaths just above heads 
of 4 and 9. Nos. 2 and 11 stand, holding wreaths over 
heads of 3 and 10. Nos. 1 and 12 hold wreaths up high above 
their own heads. Take places quickly, and when all are in 
position recite in concert: 

Beautiful holly, shining and bright, 

Emblem of gladness and cheer; 

When the holly comes with its berries red 
We know that Christmas is near. 

If used in the evening and it can be done, throw a bright 
light* upon the scene as girls speak, giving a tableau effect. 
Those who are kneeling rise, No. 6 leads and others fall in 
line, march up side of stage and off. 

* Tableau Light is to be had in the following colors : Red, Green, 
Blue, Gold, and White. It is put up in quarter-pound cans, each of 
one color, and may be had from the publishers of this book for per 
can, 30 cents; two for 55 cents; or four for $1.00, prepaid. 




141 


DRILLS, PANTOMIMES, TABLEAUX 

POINSETTIA MARCH AND DRILL 

Marie Irish 

FOR TWELVE GIRLS OF THE HIGHER GRADES 
COSTUMES 

If it can be arranged have girls wear bright red dresses—cheese 
cloth or cambric—with tiny red caps. If they cannot get red 
dresses then wear white with red trimmings and red caps. Each 
girl carries a red cloth cut to represent the red leaves of the poinsettia. 



The leaves are made double and lined with paper so they will not 
be too limp. They should be a little less than a yard long and about 
eight inches wide, pleated up narrow at one end. At the gathered 
end hold leaf by the end, but at the pointed end hold lightly with 
the hand grasping merely the back layer of cloth so as to keep hand 
back of leaf and not rumple the front surface. 

Music: A lively march. 

Girls enter in two lines, six each, single file, at right and 
left corners of front. Left side of stage is to the left as 
marchers face audience, right side to the right. Those on left 
side hold the flower end of leaf,—that is, the gathered end 
that is supposed to fasten to the flower,—in the left hand at 
center of breast and other end in right hand straight out at 




142 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


right side; those on right side hold flower end in right hand 
at center of breast, other end in left hand out at left side. 
Pass up sides of stage and meet at center of back of .stage, 
where first girl from left goes in front of first from right, 
second from left in front of second from right, etc., thus 
crossing lines. Form couples and march down center to front 
of stage, where outside hands are dropped at sides and leaves 
are held pointing down, inside hands remaining at center of 
breast. First couple goes to right, second to left, third to 
right, etc., pass to corners, up the sides and meet in fours 
at center of back. As fours are formed the two inside girls 
raise pointed end of leaf and hold pointing up obliquely to 
side of stage, girl on right pointing to right, other to left, the 
two girls on outside holding pointed end of leaf straight out 
at side, position of four leaves being thus: 



LEFT 


RIGHT 


FRONT 


It will be necessary to make quick changes at times in 
shifting hands from one end of leaf to other, but by practice 
it can be easily done. For instance the left hand is at center 
of breast holding flower end, right hand holding pointed 
end—drop right hand so leaf is hanging straight down, bring 
right hand up quickly and take flower end at center of 
breast, then drop left hand, catch pointed end of leaf and 
raise it at left side. Always keep pointed end to the outside, 
and keep same side of leaf always facing audience. 




DRILLS, PANTOMIMES, TABLEAUX 


143 


The fours march down center of stage until first line is 
about three feet from front, then lines halt, the outside girl 
on each side of second four steps forward and takes outside 
place on front line, making six on the line; the four girls 
on last line step forward two to each side and stand beside 
two left on second line, thus making six on that line. As 
they come into lines at front drop hands with pointed ends 
of leaves, then those on front line hold left hand at center of 
breast, and pointed end in right hand, those on back line hold 
right hand at center of breast and left hand with pointed end. 
Those on front line raise right hands and step forward with 
right foot obliquely to right, while those on back line step 
forward with left foot obliquely toward left, raising left hands 
up obliquely to left side of stage. Make the movement on 
“one” count ten, then come back to position on twelve. Shift 
hands and then those on front line step forward with left 
foot, and left hand raised, while back line steps forward with 
right foot and right hand raised, holding as before, then 
coming back to position. Then those on front line hold left 
hand at center of breast, right hand raised arm’s length above 
head, leaf coming in front of face, then move right hand 
down slowly, describing a semicircle, until it is hanging at 
right side; at same time those on back line hold right hand 
at center of breast, left above head, and then move left hand 
out and down until it is hanging at left side. 

Those on front line face right side of stage, other line the 
left, march to corners, up sides (the hands with pointed ends 
of leaves hanging down at sides), meet at center of back and 
form couples, girl on right side placing her left hand on top 
of her head, right hand holding pointed end of leaf down 
and out to right side, while girl on left puts right hand on 
top of her head, left one holding end of leaf down and out 
to left. At center of front, first couple goes to right, second 
to left, third to right, etc.; pass to corners, up sides and at 
center of back form fours, still holding leaves as just 
described, and march down toward front in fours, halting 
when three or four feet from front. First four stop at 
center of stage, then four halt at right, a little nearer front 
than first four, last four pass and halt at left, in line with 


144 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


those at right. Each group of four kneels and holds leaves 
thus: 



The two inside girls of each four should be close together, 
their leaves pointing obliquely up; other two girls put hand 
holding the flower end of leaf at center of breast of girl each 
stands beside (beside that girl’s hand). Hold during several 
measures of music, then rise and each four step up together 
into a small circle, and circle twice around, with right hand 
resting on top of head, left hand holding pointed end of leaf 
straight out, left hand being on level with top of head. 
Then all face opposite way and circle twice around in other 
direction, right hand on head, left hand down and out some¬ 
what from side. 

Then drop hands and two outside circles move toward the 
center and all form in one large circle, and when in places 
march once around in a circle with right hand on head and 
left straight out at side, then face in opposite direction and 
circle around once with left hand down at side. 

Then at center of stage form a group of twelve, four girls 
kneeling, the others standing and holding leaves to form the 
flower. The face of one girl should be chosen as the flower 
and all the hands should circle around this face. With prac¬ 
tice it will be possible to form an effective poinsettia. (See 
illustration at top of next page.) 



DRILLS, PANTOMIMES, TABLEAUX 


145 



THE COMPLETED POINSETTIA 


Hold this position, then rise and take position in two lines, 
as on entering, and starting from center of stage, lines march 
according to following diagram, holding right hand on top 
of head, and left hand out, on level with top of head: 



As they come back to center again, take places quickly and 
form the poinsettia again, as before, this time, if possible, 
throwing light upon scene for a tableau. Keep position as 
curtain drops. 




146 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


PANTOMIME: SANTA’S MISTAKE 

Marie Irish 

The lines are read by some one off stage and acted by a little girl. 

Part I 

A happy little girl her stocking hung 
Comes onto stage with a stocking in her hand. 

Firmly on the wall one Christmas eve, 

Fastens the stocking upon the wall. 

Her small head filled with many pleasant thoughts 
Of the gifts she hoped old Santa Claus would leave. 
When she gets stocking hung up she stands looking at it, her 
hands clasped in delight, her face smiling. 

Samantha was this little lady's name, 

Which was so hard that it became the rule 

To call her Sammie, and Sammie she 

Was called by all her friends at home and school. 

“For fear old Santa Claus may not know whose 
This stocking is, Fll pin on it my name," 

Samantha said; “and dear Saint Nick will see 
'Tis Sammie's, when he comes to fill the same." 

On “for fear” she goes to side of stage and gets a card on 
which “Sammie” is printed in large letters. This she care¬ 
fully fastens to the wall above her stocking, finishing as the 
words “fill the same” are read. Pantomime should be prac¬ 
ticed until reading and action coincide. 

And then the little maiden hurried off, 

Yawning as she rubbed her sleepy eyes. 

She yawns and rubs her eyes. 

And went to bed to dream about the dolls 
Hurries from the stage. 

She'd find within her stocking when she'd arise. 

Part II 

Curtain is pulled together at close of Part I and when drawn again 
reveals the stocking with pair of suspenders sticking out of top, a 
gun and a bat leaning against the wall and a football hanging on 
nail by stocking. 


DRILLS, PANTOMIMES, TABLEAUX 


147 


Next morning early Sammie hastened in. 

Anxious her Christmas treasures to behold; 

Little girl comes in and stands gazing at stocking. 

But oh, dear, oh! Whatever did she see? 

Throws up hands in amazement. 

Tier horror at the sight cannot be told. 

A dreadful gun! A bat! A football large, 

Some bright suspenders and a locomotive toy — 

Poor Sammie sobbed and wailed, “Old Santa Claus 
She covers face with her hands and pretends to sob. 

Thought from my name that I must be a boy !” 

Goes from stage weeping. 

PANTOMIMED SONGS 

Marie Irish 

Christmas Secrets 

To be acted out by four or more children, primary grades, as it is 
sung by a chorus of voices off the stage. Children come on and stand 
in line at front of stage. 

Tune: auld lang syne 
1. ’Tis almost Christmas and my head 
Put right hand against side of head, hold during next line. 
Is filled with secrets, oh! 

Pm sure it must be swelled a bit. 

Put both hands up by sides of head but not touching, outlin¬ 
ing a large head. 

So many things I hnow. 

Chorus : 

For mother dear I have a cup, 

Put right hand up to mouth as if drinking from cup. 

For brother Ned a drum; 

Beat with both hands upon imaginary drum. 

For baby Belle a rattle red, 

Move right hand as if shaking a rattle. 

For Nell some chewing gum. 


148 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


Make mouth go as if hard at chewing gum. 

2. And such a time I’ve had to hide 
Shake head sadly. 

My secrets all away 
In boxes underneath my bed, 

Bend forward and move both hands forward with a quick 
movement as if pushing a box under the bed. 

To wait till Christmas day. 

Chorus : 

For papa I’ve a handkerchief, 

Wipe nose back and forth with the right hand. 

A book for Uncle Joe; 

Hold both hands together and incline head as if reading from 
them. 

For grandma a spectacle case, 

Put thumb and second finger of each hand together, hold up 
in front of eyes and look through. 

A horn for Sue to blow. 

Double hands up and hold one in front of other out from 
mouth as if blowing a horn. 

3. Quite carefully I guard my lips, 

Place finger upon lips. 

And think what I shall say, 

Left hand against head, eyes cast down as if thinking. 

Lest some my secrets shall get out 
Put right hand upon lips and then move forward with long 
sweep. 

Before ’tis Christmas day. 

Chorus same as after first stanza. 

4. Notv don’t you tell a word I’ve said, 

Shake finger of right hand at audience. 

But keep your lips quite mum; 

Forefinger of right hand against lips. 

My head’s so full of secrets that 
Both hands up by sides of head but not touching. 

I wish Christmas would come. 

Bring hands together at center of breast, smilitig gladly. 
Chorus same as after second stanza. 


DRILLS, PANTOMIMES, TABLEAUX 


149 


Merry Christmas Time 

For any number of intermediate grade children, each carrying a bunch 
of holly. To the music of the chorus of “Tramp! Tramp! Tramp! 
the boys are marching” the children march around stage and form 
in straight lines—half on either side—across center of stage, facing 
front. The words can be sung by the children or they can be sung 
by a chorus of voices off stage and the motions given by the children 
on stage. 

Tune: tramp ! tramp ! tramp ! 

1. In the shy the stars looh down, 

Shining softly from on high, 

Hold holly in right hand, raise it arm’s length, obliquely 
toward right of stage, eyes looking up at holly. 

While the Christmas hells are ringing sweet and clear; 
Move right hand with holly back and forth, up and out in 
front of body as if ringing a bell. 

And the earth is full of joy 
As the happy moments fly, 

Both hands extended straight out in front of body, then 
moved to the sides till straight out from either side of body, 
and dropped at sides on “fly.” 

And our hearts are filled with love and Christmas cheer. 
Hands out at sides, then brought together over heart, face 
wreathed in smiles. 

Chorus : 

Ring, ring, ring, the hells are ringing, 

Right hand moved back and forth in front of body as if 
ringing bell. 

Come, ye children, and he gay; 

Step forward with right foot, hold holly out toward audience 
in an inviting manner, face smiling. 

Christmas comes hut once a year, 

Still standing with right foot forward, drop right hand at 
side, raise left hand and point with the forefinger to audience. 

Mahe it welcome while it's here, 

Bring right foot back to position, extend holly toward 
audience and make a low bow, as foot is brought back. 


150 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


And be merry, merry, merry Christmas day. 

Those of front line come together and form circle at right 
side of stage, those of back line form a circle at left side of 
stage, join hands,—that is, each one takes hold of right wrist 
of the one at his left with the left hand,—raise hands and 
march once around in a circle, moving gaily, then come back 
to places in lines, the music of the chorus being repeated to 
give them time to get back in line. If the song is given with¬ 
out musical accompaniment then the last line of chorus can be 
sung twice, same tune being used each time. 

2. When the boys and girls are tucked 
In their beds all fast asleep, 

Best head on right hand, close eyes and relax body. 

And the stockings have been hung up with great care; 
Those on right side of center of stage point with right hand 
toward right side of stage, while the others point to the left 
with left hand. 

Softly will old Santa come. 

Step forward softly, with right foot. 

Cautiously around will peep, 

Look from side to side in cautious manner. 

Then fill up the stockings he finds waiting there. 

Hold left hand out in front of body, then bring right hand, 
with the holly, down upon the left hand, bring right hand 
back to side of body as if getting something, then place it 
again upon left hand as if putting something on left hand. 
Chorus same as before. 


A Christmas Reconciliation 

To be acted by a girl and two boys, advanced grades, as the words 
are read by some one off stage. 

Scene I 

Girl, dressed like a woman of middle age, stands to the right 
and somewhat back of the boys. The latter one, dressed as a 
man of middle age, and the other as a boy of about eighteen, 


DRILLS, PANTOMIMES, TABLEAUX 


151 


stand facing each other at center of stage, both looking very 
angry. These lines are read: 

Your deeds are more than I can stand, 

Father points with right hand to the young man. 

Your words insulting, as you know; 

With forefinger pointing, shakes right hand, still extended, 
at the boy. 

If you don't come to time at once, 

Father straightens up, advances right foot somewhat and 
folds arms upon his breast; son glares angrily at him, hands 
in pockets. 

I tell you plainly—you can go ! 

Father brings hands together with a slap, then points off at 
side of stage. As the line finishes the young man strides 
across to side of stage and snatches up a hat, slams it on his 
head, goes over to his mother, who stands w T ith head bowed 
and hands over face as if weeping, puts his arm around her, 
and bends forward to whisper good-bye, then hurries from 
stage. As curtain goes down father stands shaking fist after 
him and mother weeps. 

Scene II 

Father and mother sit in easy chairs, facing each other, the 
mother reading a Bible. As reading begins, mother looks up 
from book and motions with right hand toward father. 

Oh, Edward, it is Christmas eve. 

And the world is full of joy; 

But my heart is burdened with sorrow, 

Puts hand over heart and shakes head sadly. 

For I long to see my boy. 

Clasps her hands upon her Bible and looks into distance. 

Oh, won't you, won't you forgive him. 

And ask him to come home f 

Bends forward eagerly, and stretches out her hands pleadingly 
to her husband. He shakes head “no” and motions for her 
to be still. 

We cannot enjoy our Christmas 
Mother motions around room with hand, eyes following hand. 


152 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


While our son afar doth roam. 

Mother motions off into distance with right hand, then wipes 
eyes as if weeping; father still shakes head angrily. 

A chorus of voices off stage then sings softly the following 
lines to the tune of doxology. * The father and mother listen 
eagerly. Just after the singing begins the son enters and 
stands unnoticed, during the singing, at side of stage. 

Praise God and to Him glory give. 

Good-will to men the angels sing; 

Let all the earth be fillei with peace, 

And love abound, for Christ is King. 

At the close of singing the son comes forward. Lines are read: 

Oh, father, the Christmas-time doth teach 
He kneels in front of his father with hand upon father’s knee. 
That we must love our fellow-man; 

So Pve come bade to ash you to 
Extends both hands out toward father. 

Love and forgive me if you can. 

Father rises quickly, helping son to rise, shakes his hand 
warmly; the mother clasps hands in joy and steps forward 
with outstretched hands. Son stands with one arm around 
her as curtain goes down. 

CHRISTMAS TABLEAUX 

Marie Irish 

The Spirit of Christmas Time 

A pretty little girl, nicely dressed, stands at center of 
stage, holding two beautiful dolls, at which she gazes lovingly. 
A little to the right and back of her stands a poorly dressed 
girl who watches the other one very sadly. Throw a bright 
light upon the scene as some one off the stage reads: 

Dear little Bessie, with smile so bright, 

Hugs her new dolls with greatest delight; 

Santa Claus hung them upon the tree— 

The two dearest dolls you ever did see. 


*In Golden Glees, price 35 cents. 



DRILLS, PANTOMIMES, TABLEAUX 


153 


Bessie has tended them all the day, 

And loves them more than she can say. 

[.Bessie turns and sees other girl.] 

Dear little Bessie, merry and glad. 

Sees poor Nancy Lee looking quite sad, 

For Santa brought her no dolls at all, 

And she’d love one though it were homely and small. 

[Bessie steps back, smiling, and lays one doll in Nancy's 
arms.] 

“Take one of mine,” cried Bessie, “please do! 

I’ll be happier if you have one, too”; 

So each little girl has a dolly dear, 

And each heart is filled with Christmas cheer. 

Watching for Santa Claus 

At center of back, standing so it divides the stage into two 
parts, is a screen, on one side of which two little stockings 
hang against the wall; on the other side sit two little chil¬ 
dren. They have on long white night-gowns, and sit close 
together with heads slightly bowed forward and touching, 
their eyes closed as if fast asleep. 

Under the Mistletoe . 

From the ceiling suspend a bunch of mistletoe—if the real 
thing can not be secured it can be made from paper. Below 
the mistletoe stand a little girl and boy. The girl holds a 
dolly in one arm and has a finger of other hand in her mouth. 
She is half turned from the boy and glances at him shyly 
from the corner of her eye. He stands awkwardly with ankles 
twisted, and twists his trousers bashfully with one hand. He 
looks up at the mistletoe and then longingly at the girl, but 
does not dare to kiss her. After waiting a minute the girl 
points her finger at him in scorn and goes pouting off stage. 

A Christmas Dream 

At center of stage a small boy sits in a large chair. On the 
wall at back of stage hang a long stocking filled with switches 
of various lengths and sizes, having at least ten. They are 
stuck only part way into stocking so that the ends protrude. 
In front of this stocking hang a curtain—a sheet on a piece 


154 


THE NEW CHEISTMAS BOOK 


of wire—in such manner that it can he pulled to one side and 
reveal the stocking without anybody going onto stage—two 
strings, one near top and the other part way down side 
of curtain, fastened at. one side, will pull it easily. Light is 
thrown on stage as lines are read by some one off stage: 

’Twas the day before Christmas, and Peter Brown 
Had been the naughtiest boy in the town; 

And his mother declared it would serve him quite right 
If Santa Claus brought him no presents that night. 

So Peter decided to stay up and see 

Just what his luck with the good Saint would be; 

But weary with watching his tired eyelids close, 

And Peter slips off to the land of repose. 

Then he dreamed that Santa Claus softly came in 
And said, “Whew! this boy has been acting like sin, 

So Pll fill his stocking up to the brim”— 

[The curtain is drawn away revealing a stocking.] 
And nothing but switches did Santa give him! 

Christmas 

A young lady in a trailing gown of white trimmed with 
bands of green cloth stands before a background of black. 
Her hair is flowing and she wears a white crown on which 
is a gilt star. She stands with one foot slightly advanced. 
Her left hand is held somewhat higher than top of her head 
and out a little to the front, and holds a wreath of holly. 
Her right hand is held lower than the left and out farther 
to the front, and holds a long stocking filled with various 
packages—a dolly at the top with its head peeping out. She 
looks smilingly at audience as the following lines are read: 

Along toward the last of the days 
Of the very last month of the year 
Comes Christmas, and fills each heart 
With love and good-will and glad cheer. 

With holly and brightness and mirth, 

With stockings overflowing with toys, 

Dear Christmas is surely the queen 
Best loved by the girls and the boys. 



Jos. C. SlNDELAR 

A UNIQUE LIVING PICTURE SHOW FOR ALMOST ANY NUMBER 

OF CHARACTERS 

CONTENTS 


Cover Design. 

Frontispiece. 

The Children ’s Page ... 

The Funny Page. 

The Literary Page. 

The Short-Story Page. . 
The Good-Advice Page .. 
Advertising Page, No. 1 
Advertising Page, No. 2 
Advertising Page, No. 3 
The Last-Cover Page ... 


. The Herald Angel 

. The Love-Knot 

. The Buggies 

Keep Your Smile Pinned On 

. Scrooge 

. ’Spacially Jim 

. Felicitating Pa 

. Uneeda Biscuit 

. Old Dutch Cleanser 

. Marie This Man 

. Good Night 


DESCRIPTION 

Each character or group of characters is supposed to represent a 
page from the Christmas number of a somewhat model, and w r e 
believe, as also will be found, a quite interesting and even literary 
“ magazine. ” If properly carried out, the entertainment will be 
found a charming and unique treat, as page by page of the maga¬ 
zine is unfolded to the view of the audience. The advertising pages 
can be greatly enlarged upon, and if the “ magazine ’ 1 is given with 
the financial end in view, a neat sum can be raised by having real 


^Copyright, 1910, by Jos. C. Sindelar. All rights reserved. 

155 
























356 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


articles visible on the stage. Local business men would no doubt be 
willing to pay for the advertisement as though it actually appeared 
in some magazine or paper. 

STAGE ARRANGEMENT 

Construct a frame about five feet wide by seven and one-half feet 
high. This may be elaborate or simple as desired. It may be made 
of branches of trees, which perhaps would be the least expensive in 
rural districts, or a carpenter may be employed to erect a more 
elaborate frame, which may then be gilded. The gilt frame produces 
a better effect. Hang dark green or black draperies across center 
of stage, from right to left. In front of this, at center, place the 
frame. Attach another curtain, preferably red (although any con¬ 
trasting color will do) to the back of frame. The green draperies are 
to be made in two parts, coming together at center, so that characters 
can pass from rear of stage to frame and withdraw again without the 
necessity of raising or lowering the stage-curtain each time. Have 
a cord attachment to red drapery so that this may be drawn to one 
side and back again from right or left wing of the stage. 

If preferred the frame, as well as the stage, may be decorated 
with holly, poinsettia or mistletoe, and a red bell may be placed at 
center top. Some one may announce the ‘ 1 pictures * ’ as they are given 
and a little before the ‘‘frame-curtain’’ is drawn to a side; or 
programs may be distributed before the performance (with the 
contents printed thereon), giving the various scenes in their order; 
or the titles may be thrown on a screen by a stereopticon. 

The living characters stand inside of the great frame, changing 
expression, attitude and position to suit the action of the narrative. 

Cover: The Herald Angel 

After announcing the title, the frame-curtain is drawn and 
the first picture is exposed to view. It is the Herald Angel, 
holding a long bugle, from which hangs a pennant with the 
words “A Living Christmas Magazine” on it. Or should 
this appear inappropriate, the pennant may be hung down 
from the top of frame. (See frontispiece illustration.*) 

*This costume is not difficult to arrange, and although very simple, 
it is striking and picturesque. The robe is to be of white material, 
loosely clinging to the body. The lines can easily be made graceful. 
A little difficulty may be found with the wings, but these are not 
hard to prepare. The frame is made of wire, and this is covered 
with white gauze. The wings may be made as large as desired, 
though they ought to be kept somewhat in proportion to size of 
figure. Fasten them around the waist by a belt underneath the 
white robe. 



A LIVING CHRISTMAS MAGAZINE 


15 ? 


While this picture is being shown, the following verse is read 
by some one unseen at back or side of stage, in a clear 
voice, loud enough to be heard by all. During this recita¬ 
tion let the piano be played very softly in running chords 
that resolve into the key of a Christmas carol, which is taken 
up and sung by the entire school at the end of the poem. 


Hark ye! hear the bugle [sounds of a bugle], sounding far 
away, 

’Tis the Herald Angel’s greeting to Christmas day. 

So 

Sing, Christmas bells! [Sound of bells.] 

Say to the earth this is the morn 
Whereon our Saviour-King is born; 

Sing [bells] to all men—the bond, the free, 

The rich, the poor, the high, the low, 

The little child that sports in glee, 

The aged folk that tottering go,— 

Proclaim the morn 
That Christ is born 
That saveth them and saveth me! 


Sing, angel host! 

Sing of the stars that God has placed 
Above the manger in the East. 

Sing of the glories of the night 
The Virgin’s sweet humility, 

The Babe with kingly robes bedight,— 

Sing to all men where’er they be 
This Christmas morn, 

For Christ is born, 

That saveth them and saveth me! 

—Christmas Hymn — Eugene Field 


Here follows the Christmas carol, sung by the entire school, 
or if given on a stage by a chorus behind the scenes. 


158 THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 

Frontispiece: The Love-Knot 

This picture is supposed to represent the heroine of a love 
story. A good-looking and winsome young lady should be 
given the part. She should wear a bonnet and have her fair 
flowing. A white dress would perhaps suit the occasion best. 

Tying her bonnet under her chin. 

She tied her raven ringlets in. 

But not alone in the silken snare 
Did she catch her lovely floating hair; 

For, tying her bonnet under chin, 

She tied a young man’s heart within. . 

—Nora Perry 


Tjhe Children’s Page: The Ruggles—from The Birds’ 
Christmas Carol 

This group is quite familiar and needs little description. 
Mother Buggies stands to one side, small children are seen 
sitting on floor looking up at her, the larger children stand¬ 
ing near by. The reader (representing the Mother in con¬ 
versation) reads all lines except the one, “All we’ve got ter 
do’s go eat!” which is said by one of the boys. * 

No, I vow I won’t lick ye Christmas day, if yer drive me 
crazy; but speak up smart, now, ’n’ say whether yer’d ruther 
give Jim Cullen half yer candy or go bare-legged ter the 
party ? 

That’s a lady! Now, you young ones that ain’t doin’ nothin’, 
play all yer want ter before noontime, for after ye git through 
eatin’ at twelve o’clock me’n’ Sarah Maud ’s goin’ ter give 
yer sech a washin’ ’n’ combin’ ’n’ dressin’ as yer never had 
before ’n’ never will agin likely, ’n’ then I’m goin’ to set yer 
down ’n’ give yer two solid hours’ trainin’ in manners; ’n’ 
’t won’t be no 'foolin’ neither. 

All we’ve got ter do’s go eat! (grumbled Peter). 


* See The Birds ’ Christmas Carol, by Kate Douglas Wiggin, for 
illustrations, etc. Price, 50 cents, postpaid. 



A LIVING CHRISTMAS MAGAZINE 


159 


Well, that’s enough, there’s more’n one way of eatin’, let 
me tell yer, ’n’ you’ve got a heap ter learn about it, Peter 
Ruggles. Land sakes, I wish you children could see the way 
I was fetched up to eat. I never took a meal o’ vittles in the 
kitchen before I married Ruggles; but yer can’t keep up that 
style with nine young ones ’n’ yer Pa always off ter sea. 

The Funny Page: Keep Your Smile Pinned On! 

This part should be taken by a large boy, dressed humor¬ 
ously. No special costume is required, though that of a jester 
would, perhaps, be found most appropriate. Aside from the 
full, wide, humorous smile on his countenance, pin a large 
drawing of a jester’s funny face on the left side of the boy’s 
coat, where a badge is usually worn, and underneath picture 
have words: “Smile On !” 

Keep your smile pinned on! 

Keep your smile pinned on! 

It may give another cheer; 

It may soothe another’s fear; 

It may help another fight 
If your smile’s on tight. 

—Anonymous 

As it’s give’ me to perceive, 

I most certin’y believe 

When a man’s jest glad plum through, 

God’s pleased with him, same as you. 

—James Whitcomb Riley 

The Literary Page: Scrooge—from Dickens’ A Christmas 

Carol 

Sitting on a high stool, almost directly facing front, we 
see Scrooge, the “tight-fisted hand at the grindstone.” He is 
dressed in a rusty black suit: slim trousers, swallow-tail coat, 
high cut waistcoat. .He wears a high standing collar, open 
in front, and black bow tie, gray wig (hair fairly long). In 


160 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


his left hand he holds a block of paper and in his right a 
goose-qnill pen. A monster scowl on his face completes the 
picture: a picture of a “grouch.” If we have not made our¬ 
selves plain, look about you, and model the “picture” after 
some one in your own community, meanwhile thanking God 
that such personages are in the minority. 

“What else can I be, when I live in such a world of fools 
as this? Merry Christmas! Out upon merry Christmas! 
What’s Christmas-time to you but a time for paying bills 
without money; a time for finding yourself a year older, and 
not an hour richer; a time for balancing your books, and hav¬ 
ing every item in ’em through a round dozen of months 
presented dead against you ? If I could work my will, every 
idiot who goes about with ‘Merry Christmas’ on his lips should 
be boiled with his own pudding, and buried with a stake of 
holly through his heart. He should!” 

Nobody ever stopped him in the street to say, with glad¬ 
some looks, “My dear Scrooge, how are you? When will 
you come to see me?” No beggars implored him to bestow 
a trifle, no children asked him what it was o’clock, no man 
or woman ever once in all his life inquired the way to such 
and such a place, of Scrooge. Even the blind men’s dogs 
appeared to know him; and when they saw him coming on, 
would tug their owners into doorways and up courts; and then 
would wag their tails as though they said, “No eye at all is 
better than an evil eye, dark master!” 

The Short-Story Page: ’Spacially Jim 

A “picture” of a trim-looking old lady, dressed in black and 
wearing spectacles, cap, etc. She is knitting, and as the words 
are read, assumes the different attitudes. (This part may 
be rendered by a “gigglely” girl attired in grotesque cos¬ 
tume, if a humorous program is the aim.) 

I wus mighty good-lookin’ when I was young, 

Peert an’ black-eyed an’ slim, 

With fellers a courtin’ me Sunday nights, 

’Spacially Jim ! 


A LIVING CHRISTMAS MAGAZINE 


161 


The likeliest one of ’em all was he, 

Chipper an’ han’som,’ an’ trim, 

But I tossed up my head an’ made fun o’ the crowd, 
’Specially Jim! 

I said I hadn’t no ’pinion o’ men, 

An’ I wouldn’t take stock in him! 

But they kep’ up a-comin’ in spite o’ my talk, 
’Specially Jim! 

I got so tired o’ havin’ ’em roun’ 

(’Specially Jim!) 

I made up my mind I’d settle down 
An’ take up with him. 

So we was married one Sunday in church— 

’Twas crowded full to the brim; 

’Twas the only way to git rid of ’em all— 
’Specially Jim! 


The Good-Advice Page: Felicitating Pa 

A real, good-natured, mischievous and humorous-looking boy 
should be given this part: one that can assume the various 
attitudes of the story-teller relating of his pa’s early days; 
the not altogether unsophisticated lad regarding his knowl¬ 
edge of Santa Claus; the kind-hearted and benevolent chap, 
glad that his father in living with “our fambly” is being bet¬ 
ter taken care of than during his childhood days. If the 
correct poses are taken, the “picture” will prove one of the 
best. 

My pa says when he was a boy, 

W’y, all he’d get was just one toy— 

A jumpin’ jack, or pop-gun, when 
’T ’uz Chris’mas-time where he live’ then. 

He never looked for any more— 

He didn’t ’spect a whole toy store! 


162 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


My pa he says ’at in those days 
Folks did things .difrent, anyways. 

He says he never got a stack 
O’ candy—more’n he could pack. 

Two sticks o’ candy’s all he got— 

An’ he’d think that was a lot. 

My pa he says when he’s a child 
Folks didn’t all try to go wild 
An’ make their children think they’d get 
Enough to run their pas in debt. 

O’ course, it wasn’t from their pas 
But always come from Santy Claus. 

He tells me that I should be glad 
I don’t have Chris’mas like he had— 

He says there’s lots he was denied 
But he learned to be satisfied; 

He never dreamed, he says, that boys 
Should have a whole room full of toys. 

I tell my pa I’m awful sad 
About th’ hard times that he had, 

But that he’s relly lucky now— 

He’s in our fambly, anyhow, 

An’ that he shouldn’t raise a fuss 
But be real glad he lives with us! 


The Advertising Pages: No. 1, Uneeda Biscuit 

Although we have taken “Uneeda Biscuit” and “Old Dutch 
Cleanser” for our subjects, there is an almost endless num¬ 
ber of good subjects, into which local aspects may enter, if 
desired, as previously mentioned. A costume of Uneeda Bis¬ 
cuit may easily be arranged by stripping the covers from the 
boxes and either sewing or pasting them together. A pleasing 
and taking effect on the advertising pages is obtained by 


A LIVING CHRISTMAS MAGAZINE 


163 


costuming a number of smaller children in same costume as 
the first figure and have them go through certain evolutions, 
fancy or humorous marches, at close of the tableau. 

Uneeda biscuit, uneeda clothes, 

Uneeda stockings, uneeda hose. 

Uneeda husband, uneeda wife, 

But first of all, uneeda life. 

Uneeda water, uneeda air, 

Uneeda sunshine, uneeda hair. 

Uneeda nothing else but milk 
With Uneeda biscuit, “fine as silk.” 


No. 2, Old Dutch Cleanser 

Costume after illustration as found in magazine, newspaper, 
or on billboard. 

Said the Cleanser to the dirt: 

“Don’t you know you mar the earth ? 

Go scrub its toes. 

And wash its nose, 

Shine its boots and clean its h* 

And be quick. Dirt, or beware 

To the Cleanser Dirt replied: 

“Go chase yourself, as ad¬ 
vertised ; 

I, Dirt, came first, 

You flirt, are curst 
By my cousins ev’rywhere, 

Your big stick is little scare.’ 

No. 3, Mark This Man 

This makes a fine close for the advertising pages, and is often 
a satisfaction to the business men whose advertisements appear 
on the stage, where the entertainment is given for profit. 
The “picture” represents a grave with tombstone (a painted 



164 


THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK 


board), facing audience and bearing inscription in large 
black letters: “Here lies a chump who wouldn’t advertise.” 

Breathes there a man with soul so dead 
Who never to himself hath said, 

“My trade of late is getting bad, 

I’ll try another muslin ad.” 

If such there be, go mark him well; 

For him, no bank account shall swell; 

No angel watch the golden stair 
To welcome home a millionaire. 

The man who never asks for trade 
By local sign and oft displayed, 

Cares more for rest than worldly gain, 

And patronage but gives him pain. 

Tread lighfly, friends, let no rude sound 
Disturb his solitude profound; 

Here let him live in calm repose 
Unsought except by men he owes. 

And when he dies go plant him deep 
That naught may break his dreamless sleep; 

When no rude clamor may dispel 
The quiet that he loves so well. 

And that the world may know its loss, 

Place on his grave a wreath of moss; 

And on a stone above “Here lies 
A chump who wouldn’t advertise.” 

— M. L. Corey 


The Last Cover Page: Good Night 

This may be posed by any number of little boys and girls in 
night-clothes, while words of a Christmas welcome* (as 
given on following page), or some other suitable song are 
being sung behind the scenes. Or, if it is desired to distribute 


'* Music in Songs in Season. Price, paper, 50 cents; cloth, 75 cents. 



A LIVING CHRISTMAS MAGAZINE 


165 


gifts after the entertainment, Santa Claus may be substi¬ 
tuted, and a Santa Claus song sung instead. 

Solo: 

God bless you all, both great and small, 

A welcome party; 

Since Christmas comes but once a year, 

Oh, make it hearty. 

To every lad and lassie 
Who travels far and near, 

I wish you a merry Christmas, 

And a happy New Year! 

Chorus: 

To every lad and lassie 
Who travels far and near 

We wish you a merry Christmas, 

And a happy New Year! 



Popular 

Entertainment Books 

ALL THE HOLIDAYS. By Clara J. Denton. Contains 34 dialogues, 
exercises, and plays, and 36 recitations for all occasions and all grades. 
201 pages. Price, 30 cents. 

BAXTER’S CHOICE DIALOGUES. Ten short, spicy dialogues for 
old and young. 64 pages. Price, 15 cents. 

CASTLE’S SCHOOL ENTERTAINMENTS. The best all-round 
books of recitations, dialogues, tableaux, charades and drills for all grades. 
Four books published, each having over 200 pages. Price, each 30 cents. 
DICKERMAN’S DRILLS AND MARCHES. Seventeen new drills 
and exercises for the lower grades. Music and many illustrations. 86 
pages. Price, 30 cents. 

FAVORITE SONG PANTOMIMES. By Marie Irish. A collection 
of twenty-six of our old and favorite songs arranged with full direc¬ 
tions for pantomiming. Frontispiece illustration. 112 pages. Price, 30 
cents. 

THE NORMAL DIALOGUE BOOK. Humorous dialogues, tab¬ 
leaux, charades, shadow scenes and pantomimes for school exhibitions. 
Thirty-one selections in all. 181 pages. Price, 30 cents. 
THANKSGIVING ENTERTAINMENTS. Contains 77 recitations, 
12 dialogues and exercises, 2 acrostics, 3 drills, 10 songs, 12 tableaux, and 
32 quotations. For all grades. 144 pages. Price, 25 cents. 

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATIONS. Has 72 recitations, 11 dialogues 
and exercises, 2 acrostics, 3 drills, 8 songs, 4 tableaux, and 33 quotations. 
160 pages. Price, 25 cents. 

THIRTY NEW CHRISTMAS DIALOGUES AND PLAYS. New, 
original, bright and clever Christmas dialogues and plays for children of 
all ages. 175 pages. Price, 30 cents. 

THE NEW CHRISTMAS BOOK. By Jos. C. Sindelar. This is a 
companion volume to the author’s Christmas Celebrations, of which over 
30,000 copies have been sold within about three years. Almost wholly orig¬ 
inal, introducing many unique and novel entertainments. 160 pages. Price, 
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A. FLANAGAN COMPANY 


CHICAGO 










Music 

Teachers 


Books for 
and Schools 



CAN’T BE BEATEN SONG COLLECTION. Contains twenty-five 

of the purest and sweetest melodies to be found anywhere. 32 large 
pages. Paper. Price, 6 cents; per dozen, 60 cents. 

A COLLECTION OF PATRIOTIC SONGS. A grand array of 
thirty-six of the leading National patriotic airs and popular folk and 
home songs. Originally selected and arranged for use in the Chi¬ 
cago public schools. 48 large pages. Paper. Price, 10 cents; per dozen, 
$ 1 . 00 . 

WEAVER’S SCHOOL SONGS. A new and choice collection of 
songs for school use, together with a few old favorite airs and sacred 
hymns. 72 large pages. Paper. Price, 15 cents; per dozen, $1.50. 

THE PRIMARY SONG BOOK. By Laura R. Smith and T. B. 
Weaver. Contains seventy-two new and delightful songs for primary 
and intermediate grades and for ungraded schools, all of which have 
been tested and found good by actual use. Several little drills and 
easy motion songs are included in the list. 96 large pages. Boards. 
Price, 30 cents; per dozen, $3.00. Paper, 20 cents; per dozen, $2.25. 
MUSICAL GEMS. By Chas. L. Moore and others. A graded course 
in vocal music for rural and village schools. It contains easy lessons 
and drills; practice exercises; the elements of music explained and illus¬ 
trated, etc., and 75 original and selected songs that are truly gems. 128 
large pages. Boards. Price, 30 cents; per dozen, $3.00. 

GEMS OF SONG. By S. C. Hanson. A one-book course in the 
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melodious and well graded exercises for practice, and a large col¬ 
lection of the choicest songs—both new and old—for public schools. 
160 large pages. Boards. Price, 35 cents; per dozen, $3.60. 

PRIMARY AND CALISTHENIC SONGS AND MUSICAL 
DRILLS. By S. C. Hanson. A splendid handbook for the teacher 
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112 large pages. Boards. Price, 50 cents. 


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and General Exercises 

OPENING EXERCISES FOR SCHOOLS. By Thomas E. Sanders. 
A treasury of exercises, suggestions, stories, songs, poems, gems, 
references, etc. There are nearly fifty complete stories in the book 
and several hundred graded memory gems: enough for the entire 
year. Ill pages. Paper. Price, 25 cents. 

SELECT STORIES FOR OPENING EXERCISES IN SCHOOLS. 

By Geo. F. Bass. Contains over 150 of the most striking and in¬ 
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the different headings, as honesty, politeness, kindness, etc. 256 
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STORIES AND EXERCISES FOR OPENING SCHOOL: Or Les¬ 
sons on the Virtues. By Walter R. Houghton. This book is novel 
in its plan and arrangement and is sure to appeal to many teachers. 
The content is classified under five heads: Truth, Justice, Wisdom, 
Benevolence, and Self-Control, which in turn are divided into thirty- 
two chapters, each dealing with some common virtue. To every 
chapter there are three subdivisions, the first giving an explanation 
of the virtue, and the other two each being an attractive story il¬ 
lustrating the ethical principle involved. In an appendix are given 
228 helpful lesson plans, with questions and answers on the preceding 
stories and topics. 232 pages. Paper. Price, 30 cents. 

PROVERBS AND QUOTATIONS. By John Keitges. The chief 
aim in this collection has been to select such material as may be of 
ethical value. Well arranged. 105 pages. Cloth. Price, 35 cents. 
GEOGRAPHY GAME. By Harriet B. Rogers. Consists of 100 cards 
with five questions and answers on each card, thus teaching 500 im¬ 
portant facts of geography. In box, with directions. Price, 40 cents. 
UNITED STATES HISTORY CARDS. By Mary H. Husted. One 
hundred ten cards, each with from three to five salient facts in 
questions referring to the answer contained in the name or names at 
top of the card. In box, with directions. Price, 40 cents. 
THIRTY-EIGHT LITTLE STORIES. On twenty cards, 4^x 
inches, in envelope. Especially suited to the lower grades. Price, 
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A. FLANAGAN COMPANY 


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Notable 

New Publications 

HOMES OF THE WORLD’S BABIES. By Elizabeth E. Scantle- 
bury. A book of paper cuttings with numerous silhouette designs, de¬ 
picting the home life, manners, and dress of the little children who 
live in other countries. Accompanying these are charming, descrip¬ 
tive stories written with painstaking accuracy, which with the paper 
cuttings are meant as a help for primary teachers in interesting their 
pupils in the application of geography. Contrasting pictures are drawn 
through the study of food, shelter and clothing—fundamental wants 
common to all—showing how these are supplied under different con¬ 
ditions, the influence of climate upon dress, etc. Eight different types 
are developed and 42 silhouette illustrations are furnished. 60 large 
pages. Board covers. Price, 50 cents. 

SMALL GARDENS FOR SMALL GARDENERS. By Lillian C. 
Flint. There is a tendency—a most wholesome one indeed—to get 
back to nature and the soil. Although this book is intended as an 
encouragement to little hands, it is likewise a teacher’s book, or any 
one else’s book, if that any one else is at all interested in what may 
be done with the wild blossoms from the woods and with the seeds that 
grow without much tending. Thirty-six chapters, discussing as many 
plants and flowers. 50 illustrations. 118 pages. Cloth. Price, 50 cents. 
PROOF OF DESIGN IN CREATION. By Marcus A. Kavanagh. 
This book attempts to answer the oft-propounded query: “Oh, if a 
man die, shall he live again?” or “What purpose is life and is it worth 
the living?” It is a masterful exposition of the various theories of 
life and a reply to Darwinian origin and evolution, Huxleyism, Haeck- 
elism, and other scientific “isms,” which at one time or another were 
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lution. 31 pages. Paper. Price, 15 cents. 

THE RIOT IN TOYLAND: SOME OF OUR BIRDS. A bright 

Christmas story, and a nature reader, for third and fourth grades. 
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MISS ALCOTT’S GIRLS: MISS ALCOTT’S BOYS. Two new lit¬ 
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New 

Supplementary Readers 

THE ROLY-POLY BOOK. Grades 2-3. By Laura R. Smith, author 
of the popular Bunny and Bear Books. The merry adventures of the 
rollicking Roly-Poly family are sure to please the little folks. The 
book is written in the same fascinating style as the author’s previous 
volumes. With fifteen illustrations in black and white and colored 
frontispiece. 158 pages. Cloth. Price, 35 cents. 

AMONG THE GIANTS. Grades 3-4. By Bertha M. Neher. A re¬ 
vised, reset and reillustrated edition of a most excellent book, de¬ 
serving of large distribution and wide reading. It is a story of six 
common failings, written in the most appetizing way imaginable for 
young readers. Illustrated with seventeen pen and ink and halftone 
drawings. 135 pages. Cloth. Price, 40 cents. 

TALES FROM THE FAR NORTH. Grades 3-5. By Maria C. 
Klugh. A new collection of over fifty Norse stories of extraordinary 
interest, translated and arranged from various standard sources of 
mythology and adapted for school and home reading. Large type, 
defining and pronouncing vocabulary of all proper names, and forty 
handsome illustrations. 200 pages. Cloth. Price, 60 cents. 
PAPPINA: THE LITTLE WANDERER. Grades 4-5. By Kath¬ 
erine Wallace Davis. A touching tale of Italy, bright with the true 
atmosphere of the land and tender with the sympathetic understand¬ 
ing of children. Illustrated by thirteen reproductions from photo¬ 
graphs. 171 pages. Cloth. Price, 40 cents. 

WITH EVANS TO THE PACIFIC. Grades 5-6. By Margaret J. 
Codd. A complete and most interesting account of the cruise of 
the great fleet from Hampton Roads to San Francisco. Two boys 
take the trip on the flagship of the fleet, and oh the things they do 
learn about the navy and every point along the way! The book has 
forty halftone illustrations, reproductions of photographs. 205 pages. 
Cloth. Price, 60 cents. 

ENGLISH CLASSICS. We are continually enlarging and improving 
our series of five and twelve-cent classics. Write for our Teachers’ Cata¬ 
logue which contains a full list of these and much else of interest to every 
progressive teacher. 




A. FLANAGAN COMPANY 


CHICAGO 







New 

Helps and Aids 




PRIMARY LANGUAGE CARDS. Designed for busy work and 
drill in language, spelling, writing, punctuation and the use of capital 
and small letters, with pupils of second, third and fourth grades. The 
set consists of 82 exercises on cards, each having about five sentences 
with one or more words omitted. These are to be supplied by the 
pupil from two or more words at the head of the card. In envelope. 
Price, per set, 20 cents. 

EVERT’S NUMBER BOOKS. For supplementary work and re¬ 
views. They teach accuracy and rapidity by furnishing material for 
mathematical foundations that can be used in connection with a text 
book or independent of one. Each book has 24 pages of problems, 
with spaces provided in which to complete the work, thus saving 
copying and the placing of the problems on the board. The teacher 
has a unique key, telling her at a glance the correctness of the work. 
In three parts: Book I, treats numbers from 1 to 14. Book II, num¬ 
bers from 14 to 25 and review of numbers 1 to 14. Book III, multi¬ 
plication table and corresponding divisions. Each book is 5j4x7}4 
inches, with hundreds of problems. Price, each, 6 cents; per dozen 
of any one or assorted, 60 cents. 

PICTURE READING LEAFLETS. A new set of illustrated nature 

reading cards. It consists of twenty-four leaflets, size 5}4x7j4 inches, 
with lessons on both sides. The stories are of trees, buds, plants, 
flowers, animals, birds, etc., each illustrated by drawings. Price, per 
set, 20 cents; five or more sets, 15 cents each. 

OUR LITTLE COLORIST. Each pamphlet has 16 pages, size 5x8 
inches, with the outline drawing for coloring on one side of the page 
and the colored design to be used as a model for the pupil on the 
opposite side. In four parts: No. 1, Autumn and Winter; No. 2, 
Spring and Summer; No. 3, Common Objects; No. 4, Designs and 
Flowers. Price, each book, 6 cents; the four, 20 cents. 

PROBLEMS AND DRILLS IN ARITHMETIC. By Margaret 
Pryse. For use with pupils from first to fourth grades. A collection 
of “thought problems” for seat work, after which follow about one 
thousand practice drills. 85 pages. Paper. Price, 20 cents. 


A. FLANAGAN COMPANY 


CHICAGO 







Helps for 
All Teachers 

THE SCHOOL YEAR BOOKS. Prepared by teachers of the State 
Normal School, California, Pa., and edited by Theodore B. Noss, Ph. 
D., Principal. These books form a unique and helpful series of teach¬ 
ers’ manuals, each presenting a year’s school, work, month by month, 
with ample lesson material, well selected, carefully planned and suit¬ 
ably correlated. In five volumes, one for each of the first, second, 
third, fourth and fifth grades. The books are profusely illustrated 
and each contains over 200 pages. Cloth. Price, each volume, 60 
cents; the set of five, $2.50. 

TALKS ABOUT COMMON THINGS. By Mrs. Norman Mac¬ 
Leod. An invaluable and convenient reference book for teachers. 
It gives information about the familiar objects around us, such as 
Cotton, Wool, Silk, Leather, Tea, Coffee, Sugar, Grains, Cloves, 
Glass, Cork, etc. 104 pages. Boards. Price, 35 cents. Paper, 25 
cents. 

QUANTRELL’S POCKET CLASS BOOK. Records 33,800 daily 
recitations and grades a pupil ten months with only one writing of 
the name. It gives a system of negative marking, easy to use. Very 
complete and convenient. 48 pages. Cloth. Price, 30 cents. 

WILLIS’ SEMESTER CLASS RECORD. A record intended for 
one semester with large schools, though with a very small amount of 
change and without rewriting of names it can be used for a whole 
year in smaller schools where classes continue their subjects the en¬ 
tire year. 56 pages. Cloth. Price, 30 cents. 

CHILDREN’S SINGING GAMES—OLD AND NEW. By Mari R. 
Hofer. A collection of 39 old and new favorite singing games for 
vacation schools, playgrounds, schoolyards, kindergartens and pri¬ 
mary grades. Complete with music and illustrations. 42 large pages. 
Paper. Price, 50 cents. 

POPULAR FOLK GAMES AND DANCES. By Mari R. Hofer. 
Contains 54 of the most popular folk games and dances of the dif¬ 
ferent nations, complete with words, music and full instructions for 
playing. 56 large pages. Paper. Price, 75 cents. 




A. FLANAGAN COMPANY 


CHICAGO 








Methods and 
Aids in Teaching 



MISTAKES IN TEACHING. By James L. Hughes. A new and re¬ 
vised edition of probably the widest read and most valuable book 
to the average teacher of any published. In a plain sensible, direct 
manner, the author notes the chief faults in school management, in 
-discipline, in method, in moral training and tells how to avoid them. 


112 pages. Cloth. Price, 40 cents. 

PSYCHOLOGIC METHOD IN TEACHING. By William A. Mc- 
Keever, M. A., Ph. M. This book furnishes a fresh, vital treatment 
■of the general subject of teaching and training children. The work 
is divided into three parts: the first embodying the theory of educa¬ 
tion; the second, the methods of handling the different subjects; the 
third is devoted to moral instruction. Perhaps no recent book on 
education has created so great an interest or is so widely influencing 
methods of teaching and public sentiment. Already adopted by the 
Teachers' Reading Circle Boards of three States: Kansas, Okla¬ 
homa, Texas. 332 pages. Cloth. Price, $1.00. 

THE TEACHER AT WORK. By Wilbur H. Bender, Ph. B. A 
book of suggestions and directions bearing especially upon the class¬ 
room work of the teacher in the public school. It contains 25 
chapters on as many different topics and is a volume of little theory 
and much practice. 264 pages. Cloth. Price, 75 cents. 

TURNING POINTS IN TEACHING. By D. C. Murphy, Ph. D. 
New and enlarged edition. Of all books on management and methods 
this is the most readable and probably the most practical and 
helpful. 208 pages. Cloth. Prices, 60 cents. Paper, 30 cents. 
TEACHERS’ MANUALS. A series of monographs on teaching and 
education, of great value to the ambitious, enthusiastic teacher. 


The Art of Questioning— Fitch. 

The Art of Securing Attention— 

Fitch. 

How to Keep Order— Hughes. 

How to Conduct the Recitation— 

McMurry. 

Paper. Price, each, 15 cents; the six for 75 cents. 


How to Teach Composition Writ¬ 
ing— Kellogg. 

My Pedagogic Creed {Dewey) 
and The Demands of Sociology 
Upon Pedagogy {Small). 


A. FLANAGAN COMPANY 


CHICAGO 










One copy del. to Cat. Div. 


HUQ 










PLAYS 



There is a growing tendency to make the Friday afternoon 
literary exercises correlate with, and grow out of the actual 
work of the school as far as possible. There is also a demand 
for short, sensible, educative plays, suitable for such occasions. 
We offer the following : 

THE MISER OF RAVELOE. Based upon George Eliot’s novel, 
Silas Marner. An attempt to represent in dramatic form 
a few of the most striking incidents of that story. Planned 
and written by the members of the second-year class of the 
Cairo (Illinois) High School. Time, one hour and a half, or 
may be prolonged, by pantomime and songs as suggested, to 
two hours. Price, 25 cents. 

THE BLACK KNIGHT. For eighth grade, Grammar 
School, and First Year High School. Pharaphrased from 
Scott’s Ivanhoe and presented in the Westport, Conn., 
schools. 

Presents Scott’s Ivanhoe splendidly as a review, and intense¬ 
ly interesting as a play upon its merits, without a knowledge of 
Ivanhoe. Time, one hour. Price, 25 cents. 

THE PROBLEM OF RHETORICALS, LITERARY 
EXERCISES AND CLASS PROGRAMS 

Much of the work done under the above head is, to say the 
least, not satisfactory from ah educational point of view. The 
time is to a large extent wasted. 

We offer a set of programs on an entirely new plan, Practical 
Educational Program* for Literary Societies and Rhetorical 
Exercises, by Christianna Spencer, High School, Spring Valley, 
Minn. 

Among the many programs, a number will be found making 
splendid outlines for essays, composition work, debates and 
general assistance in history and exercises in rhetoric. 

31 Programs. Price, 25 cents. 

We have a full line of all material for school entertainments. 
Ask for Entertainment Catalogue. 


A. FLANAGAN COMPANY, CHICAGO 











library of congress 


Thirty-] 


0 033 261 127 6 

National Patriotic oun; 


(American and Foreign) 


4 


A grand collection of the leading National Patri- * 
otic Songs of the United States and representative 
songs from many European Nations. 

Selected and arranged for use in the schools of 
Chicago. 

Arranged for four part singing. Harmonized for 
use of children in the keys best suited for that pur¬ 
pose; printed in large type. Size of print page 5x8. 
Book trimmed to 6x9. Printed on good paper. 
Strong paper cover, 48 pages. Price, 10 cents; by 
express $6.00 per hundred. 

Best collection ever put out at so low a price. 

Sample copy free to any Superintendent or Prin¬ 
cipal. _ 


LIST OF CONTENTS 

America—Annie Laurie—Auld Lang Syne—Austrian National Song—Battle 
Hymn of the Republic—Believe Me, If All Those Endearing Young Charms— 
Ben Bolt—Columbia, the Gem of the Ocean—Dixie Land—Flow Gently, Sweet 
Afton—Hail, Columbia—Home, Sweet Home—How Can I Leave Thee?— 
Hymn of the Marseillaise—Illinois—Keller’s American Hymn—March of the 
Men of Harlech—Marching Through Georgia—Maryland! Mv Maryland!—My 
Old Kentucky Home—Old Black Joe—Old Folks at Home—Russian National 
Anthem—Swedish National Air—Tenting «On the Old Camp Ground—The 
Battle-Cry of Freedom—The Dearest Spot—The Last Rose of Summer—The 
Marseillaise—The Minstrel Boy—The Old Oaken Bucket—The Star Spangled 
Banner—The Sword of Bunker Hill—The Vacant Chair—The Watch on the 
Rhine—Those Endearing Young Charms—Tramp! Tramp! Tramp!—Yankee 
Doodle. 


A. Flanagan Company, Chicago 


















